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

manatee trichechus manatus marine life coral reefs underwater caye caulker belize aquatic wildlife swimming nature ocean conservation biodiversity habitat ecosystem surfacing tranquil sea animal behavior mammal gentle giant clear water mammals plants reef species ecology tropical peaceful environment flora fauna hotspot exploration healthy creatures natural warm waters movements surface observation