Respiration also increases when traveling or when water gets colder. Manatees can swim to about 25 knots, but rarely are observed moving over 4 knots. The tail is the major source of power, ruddering and locomotion. Newborn manatees are propelled by their flippers, but by two months old they have learned to use their tail. The configuration of the neck vertebrate prevent the manatee from turning its head, so the flippers allow the manatee to twist its whole body for a sideways view.
Manatees give birth to their young in the seclusion of isolated rivers and inlets.
Once born, the baby is immediately lifted to the surface on the back of the mama. She repeated dunks and lifts the baby until it establishes its own breathing pattern. This takes place in the first day. Gestation is thought to be about 12 months and a baby may stay with its mother for two years. Sexual maturity is reached at about three to five years of age.