The manatee, a gentle, herbivorous marine mammal sometimes called a sea cow, moves slowly and peacefully in coastal waterways. These large aquatic creatures belong to the order Sirenia, a group of mammals that shares an ancient lineage with elephants. Because manatees are often sighted in groups, people frequently wonder about the formal term for such a gathering, similar to a pod of whales or a flock of birds.
The Solitary Nature of Manatees and Group Naming
Manatees are not truly social animals and do not form cohesive, permanent societies with established hierarchies. The only enduring social unit is the mother-calf pair, which remains together for up to two years. Because adult manatees live independent lives, there is no single, official scientific name for a group, unlike more communal species.
Biologists use the term aggregation to describe multiple manatees found in the same location. This term reflects that the manatees are simply drawn to a shared, desirable resource, rather than being bound by social structure. While “aggregation” is the technically correct term, informal collective nouns are sometimes used, such as a “herd” or, whimsically, a “slow.”
Reasons for Temporary Aggregations
Manatee gatherings are driven by environmental necessity and reproductive behavior, not a desire for companionship. The most frequent reason for large aggregations is the need for thermal refuge when water temperatures drop. Manatees are susceptible to cold stress syndrome if water temperatures fall below about 68°F (20°C) for an extended period.
During winter months, manatees migrate to natural warm-water springs, which maintain a consistent temperature of around 72°F (22°C) year-round. They also gather near the warm-water outflows of power plants, which function as artificial thermal refuges. These factors can draw hundreds of individuals together, creating massive but temporary aggregations for survival.
Another cause for a temporary, smaller aggregation is the mating herd, which forms when several males pursue a single receptive female. This courtship event, sometimes called “scramble promiscuity,” can involve up to twenty males following the female closely for days or weeks. These mating herds are highly active and represent a short-term, behavior-driven gathering that dissolves once the female has successfully mated.
Communication Among Individuals
Even with their solitary nature, manatees communicate when they encounter one another. Vocalizations are a primary means of communication, especially the high-pitched squeaks, squeals, and whistles produced using their larynx. These sounds are crucial for maintaining the bond between a mother and her calf, allowing them to locate each other even in murky water.
Manatees also possess a highly developed sense of touch, used for both communication and navigating their environment. Their entire body is covered in fine, tactile hairs that detect minute changes in water pressure and movement. They use this sensitivity for close-range social interactions, often engaging in gentle nudging, mouthing, and embracing with their flippers.