Body surf or barrel roll when playing. Squeal underwater to communicate fear, stress or excitement to one another. Sailors once thought manatees were the mythical sirens, or mermaids, because of their shape and squeals. Surface every ten minutes to breathe. Manatees can hold their breath underwater for up to 20 minutes.
Females can have calves when they are about four years old.
One calf is born every 3 to 4 years. Mothers and calves form a strong bond. The elephant is the closes land relative of the manatee.