West Indian Manatee Tooth Replica

Description

West Indian manatee tooth replica measures 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches. The Trichechus manatus tooth is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast from California Academy of Sciences specimen. 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

The West Indian manatee, also known as the North American manatee, stands as the largest surviving member of the aquatic mammal order Sirenia. These animals use vocal communication and sensitive whiskers called vibrissae to navigate and find food. During breeding season multiple males form mating herds around a single female. On average a female gives birth to one calf every two to three years.

Most West Indian manatees reach lengths between 8.9 and 11.5 feet and weigh from 440 to 1,320 pounds. Females generally grow larger than males in this species. Marine biologists estimate the gentle giants live for about 50 years or more in their natural habitats.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Sirenia
• Family: Trichechidae
• Genus: Trichechus
• Species: T. manatus
• Binomial name: Trichechus manatus
• Conservation status: Endangered

Curators can create a detailed marine biology display by pairing the West Indian manatee tooth with the West Indian manatee skull replica, allowing for close study of the unique marching molar replacement system. Adding the Dugong male skull replica provides a clear visual contrast between the manatee’s grinding teeth and the dugong’s tusks. Including the Steller’s sea cow skull replica completes the sirenian evolution story, showing how this extinct relative lost its teeth entirely in favor of horny plates for feeding.