The rushing sound of a deep exhale and breath sound much like a snorkeler. Manatees are found in costal waterways, estuaries, salt-water bays, rivers and canals, particularly where seagrass beds are located. In captivity they are fed lettuce and other greens, and given elephant vitamins. Females mature around 5 to 9 years of age, and males not until 6 to 9 years of age. It is believed that one calf is born every 2 to 5 years.
Twins are rare in the wild.
Gestation period is around 13 months. Newborns weigh approximatly 40 pounds at birth and stay with the mother for several years.