Q. Why are manatees called "sea cows?" A. "Sea cow" is a common term for manatees and dugongs. This name likely comes from the fact that manatees are herbivores (plant-eaters), as are cows. Q. What does the word “manatee” mean, and what are manatees called in various countries around the world? (Click the link to get the answer.) Q. What does Trichechus mean in the manatee's scientific name? (Click the link to get the answer.) Back to the Manatee FAQ page
