The calves of the manatee are born underwater. Immediately after birth the mother helps the newborn reach the surface of the water for air. Manatees can stay submerged for up to fifteen minutes. If active they must come to the surface every five minutes. The calf weighs between twenty-five and sixty pounds at birth and swimming within one hour.
Manatees feed on plants that grow in the water like water weeds, sea grasses, and algae.
In one 24 hour period a manatee can eat as much as one pound of food for every 10 pounds of its body weight. The Future of the Manatee. People have hunted the manatee for food and for its oil, hides, and bones. In the past century, the number of manatees has slowly decreased. As a result, laws have been passed to help protect the animals.