West Indian Manatee Skull

Description

West Indian Manatee Skull measures 410mm or 16.1 inches. West Indian Manatee Skull is museum quality polyurethane cast. Made in USA. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home decor skull, or office decor skull. 2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw).

The West Indian manatee, North American Manatee, Sea Cow or Trichechus manatus is the largest surviving member of the aquatic mammal order Sirenia.

They have developed vocal communication abilities, and are covered in highly sensitive vibrissae that are used for feeding and navigation. In breeding season, several males form mating herds around an individual female; on average, one calf is born to a female every two to three years.

The average West Indian manatee or Trichechus manatus is about 8.9 to 11.5 feet long and weighs 440 to 1,320 lbs., with females generally larger than males. They are estimated to live 50 years or more in the wild.

Since they breathe air, have warm blood, and produce milk. The West Indian manatee has adapted fully to aquatic life, having no hind limbs. Instead of hind limbs, they have a spatula-like paddle for propulsion in the water. Trichechus manatus have evolved streamlined bodies which lack external ear flaps, thus decreasing resistance in the aquatic environment.

Pelage cover is sparsely distributed across the body. Their skin is gray but can vary in coloration due to algae and other biota, like barnacles, that opportunistically live on manatees. Scar tissue is white and persists for decades.

West Indian Manatee or Trichechus manatus are obligate herbivores that feed on over 60 species of aquatic plants in both fresh and salt water. Seagrass is a staple of the manatee diet, particularly in coastal areas. In addition, when the tide is high enough, they will also feed on grasses and leaves.

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