Sirenian mammals (Order Sirenia) are a group of marine placental mammals with only four living species today. Their name comes from the mythical “sirens” or mermaids, since early sailors often mistook female mammals-characteristics-and-examples.html">sirenians nursing their young for human-like figures in the sea. In reality, mermaids never existed—the legend originated from these ancient encounters with sirenians.
Currently, only two families survive: Dugongidae (dugongs) and Trichechidae (manatees). In this article, we’ll explore their main features, distribution, diet, behavior, and representative species.
Sirenians are fully adapted to marine life.
Their forelimbs have evolved into flippers, while their hind limbs are almost absent.
They are very large, measuring 2.5–4 meters in length.
They are also heavy, weighing 250 kg to 1.5 tons.
Their tail is horizontal and used for propulsion.
Tail shape differs between families:
Dugongs → crescent-shaped tail.
Manatees → round or paddle-shaped tail.
Their skin is thick and wrinkled (except in tropical species, which have thinner skin).
Adults are almost hairless, except for stiff bristles near the mouth and scattered hairs on the body.
Embryos and calves are covered with more hair.
Manatees: very reduced incisors.
Dugongs: males develop small tusks from their incisors (females do not).
Neither group has canine teeth.
Digestive tract is extremely long—about 20 times body length.
Food is stored in the stomach before being broken down in the intestines.
Bones are dense and heavy, with few pores, making them brittle.
Their skulls are elongated, with prominent incisor bones that shape their snout.
Sirenians live in warm tropical and subtropical waters.
Dugongs (Dugong dugon): found in the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and northern Australia.
Manatees (Trichechus spp.): three living species—
Caribbean Manatee (T. manatus): Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and northern South America.
Amazonian Manatee (T. inunguis): freshwater rivers of the Amazon basin.
African Manatee (T. senegalensis): rivers of West Africa, including the Niger.
Large, slow-moving, and gentle by nature.
Because of their docile behavior, they were historically easy targets for hunters seeking meat and hides.
This has pushed them toward endangered status, and all species are now legally protected.
Sirenians are herbivorous marine mammals.
Main diet: seagrasses, aquatic plants, mangrove leaves, and algae.
Manatees consume 45–78 kg of plants daily, spending 6–8 hours feeding near the surface.
Dugongs feed mainly on seagrass beds at the sea bottom.
Occasionally, they ingest small invertebrates incidentally, providing protein.
Captive individuals may also eat fish.
Only one living species: the dugong (Dugong dugon).
Found in the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and northern Australia.
Requires warm water above 20°C and does not live in freshwater.
Three recognized species: Caribbean, Amazonian, and African manatees.
A possible fourth “dwarf manatee” has been suggested, but lacks scientific consensus.
Commonly called “sea cows” due to their slow movements and grazing habits.
The Latin root of their name means “endowed with hands,” since sailors mistook their flippers for human arms.
Sirenians play a crucial ecological role by maintaining the health of seagrass ecosystems, which are vital for marine biodiversity.
Their populations have been drastically reduced by hunting, habitat loss, boat collisions, and climate change.
All living species are currently listed as endangered or vulnerable, receiving protection under international conservation agreements.
Sirenian mammals are among the most unique and gentle giants of the oceans. They inspired the ancient myths of mermaids, but today they serve as reminders of the importance of protecting fragile marine ecosystems. Preserving dugongs and manatees is not only essential for biodiversity but also for the balance of our planet’s oceans.
animal tags： sirenian
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