The term aquatic mammal can refer to a variety of animals, including the manatee. Manatees are large, slow-moving marine mammals that inhabit shallow, coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. They have paddle-like flippers and a flat, rounded tail, and they feed on sea grasses and other aquatic plants. Manatees are considered an endangered species due to habitat loss, boat collisions, and other human activities.