Marine Vertebrates
Species profiles and facts about marine vertebrate animals, from the tiny fishes to the largest whales. Click on a folder or a link below to learn more about different animals in the Phylum Chordata.
Wayward Manatees
Florida manatees, a subspecies of the West Indian Manatee and the type of manatee found in the United States, generally ranges from Virginia south to Florida and from Florida west to Texas. Increasingly, manatees are appearing further north, at least for a time. Learn about some of these unusual manatees and reasons …
Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
The Florida manatee - Trichechus manatus latirostris, also called the "sea cow," is an unusual looking marine mammal, with their whiskered face, round body and paddle-like tail. Manatees have been the subject of intense awareness and conservation efforts in recent years due to threats from human activities. Learn about the Florida manatee's classification, reproduction, distribution and feeding h…
The Florida manatee - Trichechus manatus latirostris, also called the "sea cow," is an unusual looking marine mammal, with their whiskered face, round body and paddle-like tail. Manatees have been the subject of intense awareness and conservation efforts in recent years due to threats from human activities. Learn about the Florida manatee's classification, reproduction, distribution and feeding h…
Types of Sirenians
The Order Sirenia includes manatees and dugongs, also known as "sea cows," probably because they graze on sea grasses and other aquatic plants. Sirenians are found along the coasts and inland waterways of the United States, Central and South America, West Africa, Asia and Australia.
The Order Sirenia includes manatees and dugongs, also known as "sea cows," probably because they graze on sea grasses and other aquatic plants. Sirenians are found along the coasts and inland waterways of the United States, Central and South America, West Africa, Asia and Australia.
What Do Manatees Eat?
Manatees are herbivores, feeding primarily on aquatic plants. Learn about the types of food manatees eat.
Manatees are herbivores, feeding primarily on aquatic plants. Learn about the types of food manatees eat.
Types of Manatees
Manatees have an unmistakable appearance, with their whiskered face, stout bodies, and paddle-like tail. Did you know there are several different kinds of manatees? Learn more about each below.
Manatees have an unmistakable appearance, with their whiskered face, stout bodies, and paddle-like tail. Did you know there are several different kinds of manatees? Learn more about each below.
West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
The West Indian manatee is an easily recognizable marine mammal. In the United States, it is more well-known by the name of one of its subspecies - the Florida manatee. The West Indian manatee is the largest manatee species, growing to lengths of 13 feet and weighing over 3,000 pounds. West Indian manatees have grayish or brownish skin, a rounded tail, and a set of nails on its forelimbs.
The West Indian manatee is an easily recognizable marine mammal. In the United States, it is more well-known by the name of one of its subspecies - the Florida manatee. The West Indian manatee is the largest manatee species, growing to lengths of 13 feet and weighing over 3,000 pounds. West Indian manatees have grayish or brownish skin, a rounded tail, and a set of nails on its forelimbs.
Seven Species of Sea Turtles
There are seven recognized species of sea turtles, six of which are in the Family Cheloniidae, with only one in the Family Dermochelyidae. All seven species of sea turtles are listed under the Endangered Species Act.
There are seven recognized species of sea turtles, six of which are in the Family Cheloniidae, with only one in the Family Dermochelyidae. All seven species of sea turtles are listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Sea Turtles - Facts About Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are reptiles that live in a marine or brackish environment. The flippers of sea turtles are long and paddle-like, making them excellent for swimming in oceans but poor for walking on land. Learn about sea turtle reproduction, distribution and conservation status here.
Sea turtles are reptiles that live in a marine or brackish environment. The flippers of sea turtles are long and paddle-like, making them excellent for swimming in oceans but poor for walking on land. Learn about sea turtle reproduction, distribution and conservation status here.
Northern Gannet - Morus bassanus
The northern gannet is a large seabird that can form dense nesting colonies and has a spectacular plunge-diving feeding behavior.
The northern gannet is a large seabird that can form dense nesting colonies and has a spectacular plunge-diving feeding behavior.
Wandering Albatross - Diomedea exulans
Albatross are a large seabird that can spend several months airborne. Learn about their habitat, diet and conservation status.
Albatross are a large seabird that can spend several months airborne. Learn about their habitat, diet and conservation status.