West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), on the sand near Caye Caulker, inside the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Belize

manatee trichechus manatus seagrass coral reef underwater caye caulker belize marine life aquatic herbivore ocean swimming wildlife conservation biodiversity tropical ecosystem shallow water green sea cow graceful nature flora fauna coastal habitat gentle creature serene tranquil endemic observation environment diving snorkeling plants clear climate peaceful behavior system giant animal ecosystems