Swim with manatee in Florida

• Swim with manatee in Florida,

Manatees - a large aquatic animals that live in the sea and feed on underwater vegetation. They weigh up to 600kg and have an average length of about 3 meters. Externally manatees remind the good-natured sea cow. These photos were taken in the town of Crystal River, Florida.

Manatees live in shallow water, the optimum for their depth - 23 m.

These marine mammals that can weigh more than a tiger shark, very shy and avoid contact with people. So that such footage - a rarity.

Comments photographer: "We sailed on a boat with a small group, and manatees, for whatever reason, imbued with sympathy for Margo (pictured), the other swimmers, they did not approach."

In the manatees very interesting to see their tail like a paddle, and front paws with claws resemble flippers.

"I was told that manatees would stay away from us, but when one of them swam right up to me, it took me by surprise, and I panicked a bit, to be honest."

"They are very big and strong animals, but this guy just wanted to play."

Scratch manatee!

One of the unique features that combine with the elephants manatee, is the constant change of the molars are generally uncharacteristic of mammals.

Underwater photographer Ellen Cuylaerts:

There are three species of manatees: African, Amazonian and American. It is the latter the largest. The average American adult manatee length is about 3 m, although some individuals may reach 4, 5 m in length, including the tail.

Interestingly, females are usually longer and heavier than the males. Just born lamantenyshi in length are 1, 2-1, 4 meters and weigh about 30 kg.

His tail manatees used for forward movement in the water, but are also able to turn somersaults in the water, turn over and float on his back. They are active both day and night, resting only a few hours at the surface or at the bottom. Resting at a depth, they rise to the surface every few minutes to get some air.