West Indian Manatees: Crystal River, Florida


The manatee is built for fast, seemingly effortless swimming. It's streamlined body has no external ear flaps or visible neck. The seal-like torso narrows to a broad beaver tail, which provides an incredible amount of thrust when needed. Though manatees usually cruise around at about 2 miles per hour, they can attain brief bursts of speed of 15 miles per hour.

 


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