Hobbies And Interests
Manatee
The Florida manatee is the state marine mammal because this is the location of the world's largest population of manatees. These large marine animals are grayish brown with thick, algae-covered, wrinkly skin. In relation to their 10- to 12-foot-long body, their flippers are quite small, though they are still sufficient for helping a manatee steer and move through shallow water. Because their fins are small, manatees use the force of their powerful tails to move through water quickly. The weight of a manatee ranges from 1,500 lbs. to 1,800 lbs., and they can generally live to be about 60. They are entirely herbivores, eating marine and freshwater plants. Manatees also have small eyes and no outer ears, but despite this, they are considered to have good vision and hearing.
Whales
The ocean water surrounding Florida is home to several species of whales. Northern right whales come to the waters of Florida to give birth and nurse for a few months. Afterward, they swim back to colder waters, an approximate 1,500-mile distance, because they eat crustaceans that do not live in these warmer waters. Among the whales found in Florida during this birthing season are pilot whales, humpback whales and baleen whales. Almost all of these whales are over 50-feet long, over 60 tons and can swim at a speed of around 70 miles per hour.
Dolphins
There are a variety of species of dolphins in the waters of Florida. The two most typically found dolphins are the Atlantic spotted dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin. Both thrive in warmer waters. The Atlantic spotted dolphin is dark gray, while the bottlenose dolphin is more of a pale blue-gray color. With age, the 7-foot Atlantic spotted dolphin acquires more and more spots. The bottlenose dolphin, called such for its short, stubby beak, is bigger than the Atlantic spotted dolphin, ranging from 6 to 12 feet. Dolphins of the Florida waters tend to move in groups, both for protection from other marine mammals and as a way of capturing fish for food.
Seals
Florida does not have any seal colonies, but stray seals come ashore frequently. Most often, these are the common seal or the hooded seal. The bearded seal has also been spotted in the waters of Florida, though it is less frequent of an occurrence. Seals found in Florida are generally there because they are in search of food. When they can't find fish, seals will eat seabirds. Typically, seals otherwise tend to stay in slightly cooler waters or in estuaries.