Manatees are grayish brown sea cows that inhabit warm tropical waters. They have streamlined bodies with paddle-shaped tails and small fins used for steering. Manatees are herbivores that feed on sea grass and algae. Females give birth to a single calf every 2 to 5 years and nurse their young for 2 years. While excellent swimmers, manatees can only dive down around 10 feet and must surface frequently to breathe.