In water less than 68 degrees, they are in danger. Females are able to mate around age five but are not able to raise their young until age seven or eight. Once a female is ready to mate, she produces a special scent. After mating the male leaves and the female is left to raise her young on her own. Her pregnancy lasts about 12-13 months.
Manatees breed year-round, but most calves are born in the spring and summer.
Baby manatees are born in the water. Calves are about six feet long and weigh about 60-70 lb. Their skin is almost black. When the calf is born, the mother pushes it to the surface. A newborn calf can swim alone within one hour.