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Sirenian

By , About.com Guide

West Indian Manatee / Jennifer Kennedy

A West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) in a pool at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida.

Jennifer Kennedy, Licensed to About.com
Definition: Sirenians are mammals in the Order Sirenia, which includes manatees and dugongs. These animals are herbivorous, and have two forelimbs and a flattened tail.

The Order Sirenia contains 3 species of manatee, 1 dugong species and the Steller's sea cow, which is now extinct.

Examples:
The Florida manatee is a sirenian.

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