The only lasting relationships are the ones between mothers and their babies. Manatees may live for 50 years. Manatees are found along the southeastern coast of the United States, the Caribbean Sea and along the northeastern coast of South America. The estimated population of manatees is between 1,200 and 1,500. Manatees are slate gray to brownish in color with slightly wrinkled skin.
Manatees also have hair on their bodies which is fine and one to two inches in length.
Lifestyle Manatees are mostly solitary and not very social creatures. The only lasting association is between a mother and her baby. Occasionally, they may gather together to migrate or feed. The manatee's diet is composed of fresh and salt water plants. Water hyacinth is a primary food plant in many rivers in Florida.