There are two groups of manatees found in the oceans waters.  The Caribean manatee is found in the Caribean Sea,  along the northeasten coast of South America, and the coastal waters of the southeastern United States.  The African manatee lives in rivers and in the coastal waters of western Africa.  They are basicly herbivores, eating plants that grow in deep waters or plants that are found on the surface.  The manatee grows to be about 10 to 13 feet and weighs about 3,500 pounds.  A manatee can eat up to 100 pounds of food a day.  The manatee is a slow moving sea animal.  It is endangered because it is hunted for its hide, flesh, and oils.  Many have also been hit by passing motor boats because the manatee is so slow.  The manatee is being protected from hunting wherever it lives.