Elephants of the sea

Closer cousins to elephants than to other sea mammals like whales and dolphins, manatees are graceful swimmers who glide along coastal waters and rivers at about 5mph. These large creatures are herbivores who snack on sea grasses and other marine plants, so the fish in the photo needn't fear being eaten. Human activity is a substantial threat to these curious 'sea cows', which are often hurt or killed by boat propellers.
© Paul E Tessier/Cavan Images/Offset by Shutterstock