Legends describe them as beautiful women who sat on the rocks, attempting to lure sea-goers to destruction. Manatees are not found in many places. Manatees tend to migrate, like birds in Winter, seeking warmer temperatures. In the U.S., the major population of manatees live in Florida during winter months. Manatees aren't ones for watching their waistline.
Manatees are grazers who search for food along the waters bottom and surface.
Maybe their more portly stature has to do with their lack of exercise. They are slow-moving creatures who spend most of their time eating, resting, or in travel. West Indian Manatees have no natural enemies. Their lifespan is said to be around 60 years or more. That said, you might assume that many manatees existed today.