Manatees emit sounds underwater that are believed to be used in communicating with one another, and not for navigational purposes. Vocalizations may express fear, anger, or sexual arousal. They are also used to maintain contact, especially when manatees are feeding or traveling in turbid water. Especially common are the vocalizations between cow and calf. Adult manatees move through the water primarily by the pumping action of the tail.
Young manatees seem to propel themselves with their flippers.
They graze for food along the water bottoms and on the surface. The may rest submerged at the bottom or just below the surface, coming up to breathe every three to five minutes. Intervals between breaths depend on activity level. When the manatee is using a great deal of energy, it may surface to breathe as often as every 30 seconds. When just resting, manatees have been known to hold their breath as long as 20 minutes.