Manatees are large, gentle aquatic mammals, often called “sea cows” due to their herbivorous diet. These slow-moving creatures inhabit shallow coastal waters and rivers. Their substantial size and aquatic existence sometimes lead to questions about their relation to whales. This article clarifies the scientific classification of manatees and explains why they are distinct from whales.
Not a Whale
Manatees are not whales. Despite sharing a marine habitat and considerable size, they belong to entirely different scientific orders. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are classified under the Order Cetacea. Conversely, manatees are members of the Order Sirenia, which also includes dugongs.
Manatee Classification
Manatees, including the three recognized species, belong to the family Trichechidae within the Order Sirenia. The name “Sirenia” originates from the Greek mythical sirens, as sailors historically mistook these animals for mermaids. Their closest living land relatives are elephants and hyraxes. This lineage highlights their unique evolutionary path, diverging over 60 million years ago.
Whales fall under the Order Cetacea, and their closest terrestrial relatives are hippopotamuses. This distinction in land relatives underscores differences in their evolutionary histories. Their separate classifications reflect divergences in anatomical structures, physiological adaptations, and lifestyles, despite their shared aquatic environment.
Distinguishing Features
Manatees and whales exhibit several physical and behavioral differences. Manatees possess a distinctive paddle-shaped tail, which they use for propulsion. In contrast, whales have broad, horizontal tail flukes. Manatees are herbivores, exclusively consuming aquatic plants. Whales are carnivores, with diets ranging from small fish and krill to larger marine mammals.
Their preferred habitats also differ. Manatees typically inhabit shallow, calm coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries. Many whale species are oceanic, traversing vast open waters, though some can be found in coastal areas. Manatees generally have a more rotund, torpedo-shaped body, while whales typically exhibit a streamlined form adapted for faster movement.
Manatee Uniqueness
Manatees are known for their gentle nature, spending time grazing, resting, and traveling. They possess a slow metabolism, making them susceptible to cold stress in waters below 68°F (20°C). A remarkable adaptation related to their herbivorous diet is continuous tooth replacement; as molars wear from abrasive plants, new teeth grow from the back and move forward.
Manatees face various threats, human-related issues like collisions with watercraft and habitat loss. Boat strikes are a major cause of injury and mortality, with many adult Florida manatees bearing scars from such incidents. Habitat degradation, such as seagrass bed loss due to pollution and harmful algal blooms, impacts their populations. Despite conservation efforts, all three manatee species are listed as vulnerable to extinction.