Manatee vs. Seal — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 29, 2024
Manatees are gentle, aquatic mammals known for their slow movements in warm waters, while seals are agile swimmers adapted to both cold and temperate seas.
Difference Between Manatee and Seal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Manatees, often referred to as sea cows, are large, gentle marine mammals that inhabit warm coastal waters and rivers, primarily feeding on vegetation. Seals, on the other hand, are carnivorous and highly adapted to life in both cold and temperate marine environments, often found on shorelines and ice floes.
Manatees have a distinctive, paddle-like tail used for propulsion through water, whereas seals possess webbed flippers, which aid in their agility and speed in the ocean.
Manatees are known for their solitary nature and slow-moving habits, spending much of their time feeding on aquatic plants. Seals are more social animals, often seen in groups and known for their playful behavior and vocalizations.
The skin of a manatee is thick and wrinkled, helping them to maintain body temperature in warm waters, while seals have a layer of blubber under their skin for insulation against cold temperatures.
Manatees are at risk due to habitat destruction and boat strikes, making them vulnerable in their natural environment. Seals face threats from climate change affecting their ice habitats, as well as from hunting and fishing nets.
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Comparison Chart
Habitat
Warm coastal waters and rivers
Cold and temperate marine environments
Diet
Herbivorous, primarily aquatic plants
Carnivorous, fish, and marine invertebrates
Tail/Flippers
Paddle-like tail
Webbed flippers
Social Behavior
Solitary, slow-moving
Social, playful, and vocal
Skin
Thick and wrinkled
Covered in fur with a layer of blubber
Compare with Definitions
Manatee
They inhabit warm coastal waters, especially in the southeastern United States and the Caribbean.
Manatees seek the warm waters of Florida during winter.
Seal
Seals are marine mammals adept at living in both cold and temperate waters.
The seal dove into the icy water without hesitation.
Manatee
They have a distinctive, paddle-like tail that aids in their slow propulsion through water.
The manatee used its paddle-like tail to navigate the shallow waters.
Seal
They are known for their agility in the water, using their webbed flippers to swim quickly.
The seal maneuvered through the water with remarkable speed.
Manatee
Manatees are herbivores, feeding mainly on a variety of aquatic plants.
The manatee surfaced every few minutes as it fed along the riverbed.
Seal
Their bodies are covered in fur, with a layer of blubber underneath for insulation.
The seal's thick layer of blubber keeps it warm in frigid temperatures.
Manatee
Manatees are marine mammals known for their large size and gentle nature.
A manatee was spotted leisurely grazing on seagrass near the shore.
Seal
Seals have a varied diet, primarily consisting of fish and marine invertebrates.
A group of seals was observed hunting fish near the ice floe.
Manatee
Manatees are known for their slow reproduction rate, which contributes to their vulnerable status.
Manatee populations are carefully monitored due to their low birth rates.
Seal
Seals are often found in groups, exhibiting social behavior and communication.
The noisy seal colony gathered on the rocky shore for sunbathing.
Manatee
Manatees (family Trichechidae, genus Trichechus) are large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows. There are three accepted living species of Trichechidae, representing three of the four living species in the order Sirenia: the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis), the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), and the West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis).
Seal
A device or material that is used to close off or fasten an opening or connection, especially to prevent the escape of a liquid or gas
Used caulk as a seal around the window.
Manatee
Any of various herbivorous aquatic mammals of the genus Trichechus, having paddlelike front flippers and a horizontally flattened tail and found in warm coastal waters and rivers in Florida, northern South America, West Africa, and the Caribbean.
Seal
An airtight closure
A door that lacks a tight seal.
Manatee
Any of several plant-eating marine mammals, of family Trichechidae, found in tropical regions.
Seal
Something, such as a piece of tape, that is placed on a product or package to show that the contents have not been tampered with.
Manatee
Any species of Trichechus, a genus of sirenians; - called also sea cow.
Seal
The water in the trap of a drain that prevents sewer gas from escaping into a room.
Manatee
Sirenian mammal of tropical coastal waters of America; the flat tail is rounded
Seal
A design used to identify a person or thing or to show that something is authentic, accurate, or of good quality
The title page is marked with the publisher's seal. Does the scale have the inspector's seal?.
Seal
A small decorative paper sticker.
Seal
A die or signet having a raised or incised emblem used to stamp an impression on a receptive substance such as wax or lead.
Seal
The impression so made.
Seal
The design or emblem itself, belonging exclusively to the user
A monarch's seal.
Seal
A small disk or wafer of wax, lead, or paper bearing such an imprint and affixed to a document to prove authenticity or to secure it.
Seal
An indication or symbol regarded as guaranteeing or authenticating something
The choral director gave the program his seal of approval.
Seal
Any of various aquatic carnivorous mammals of the families Phocidae and Otariidae, found chiefly in cold regions and having a sleek torpedo-shaped body and limbs that are modified into paddlelike flippers.
Seal
The pelt or fur of one of these animals, especially a fur seal.
Seal
Leather made from the hide of one of these animals.
Seal
To close or fasten with a seal
Seal an envelope.
Seal a test tube.
Seal
To prevent (a liquid or gas) from escaping
Charring a piece of meat seals in the juices.
Seal
To cover, secure, or fill up (an opening)
Sealed the hole in the pipe with epoxy.
Seal
To apply a waterproof coating to
Seal a blacktop driveway.
Seal
To secure or prevent passage into and out of (an area). Often used with off
The police sealed off the crime scene.
Seal
To affix a seal to (something) in order to prove authenticity, accuracy, or quality.
Seal
To establish or determine irrevocably
Our fate was sealed.
Seal
Mormon Church To make (a marriage, for example) eternally binding; solemnize forever.
Seal
To hunt seals.
Seal
A pinniped (Pinnipedia), particularly an earless seal (true seal) or eared seal.
The seals in the harbor looked better than they smelled.
Seal
(heraldry) A bearing representing a creature something like a walrus.
Seal
A stamp used to impress a design on a soft substance such as wax.
Seal
An impression of such stamp on wax, paper or other material used for sealing.
Seal
A design or insignia usually associated with an organization or an official role.
The front of the podium bore the presidential seal.
Seal
Anything that secures or authenticates.
Seal
Something which will be visibly damaged if a covering or container is opened, and which may or may not bear an official design.
The result was declared invalid, as the seal on the meter had been broken.
Seal
(figurative) Confirmation or approval, or an indication of this.
Her clothes always had her mom's seal of approval.
Seal
Something designed to prevent liquids or gases from leaking through a joint.
The canister is leaking. I think the main seal needs to be replaced.
Seal
A tight closure, secure against leakage.
Close the lid tightly to get a good seal.
Seal
A chakra. en
Seal
(intransitive) To hunt seals.
They're organizing a protest against sealing.
Seal
(transitive) To place a seal on (a document).
Seal
To mark with a stamp, as an evidence of standard exactness, legal size, or merchantable quality.
To seal weights and measures
To seal silverware
Seal
(transitive) To fasten (something) so that it cannot be opened without visible damage.
The cover is sealed. If anyone tries to open it, we'll know about it.
Seal
(transitive) To prevent people or vehicles from crossing (something).
The border has been sealed until the fugitives are found.
Seal
(transitive) To close securely to prevent leakage.
I've sealed the bottle to keep the contents fresh.
Seal
(transitive) To place in a sealed container.
I've sealed the documents in this envelope.
Seal
To place a notation of one's next move in a sealed envelope to be opened after an adjournment.
After thinking for half an hour, the champion sealed his move.
Seal
(transitive) To guarantee.
The last-minute goal sealed United’s win.
Seal
To fix, as a piece of iron in a wall, with cement or plaster, etc.
Seal
To close by means of a seal.
To seal a drainpipe with water
Seal
(Mormonism) To confirm or set apart as a second or additional wife.
Seal
(Christianity) To form a sacred commitment.
Seal
To fry (meat) at a high temperature to retain the juices.
Seal
(dialectal) To tie up animals (especially cattle) in their stalls.
Seal
Any aquatic carnivorous mammal of the families Phocidæ and Otariidæ.
Seal
An engraved or inscribed stamp, used for marking an impression in wax or other soft substance, to be attached to a document, or otherwise used by way of authentication or security.
Seal
Wax, wafer, or other tenacious substance, set to an instrument, and impressed or stamped with a seal; as, to give a deed under hand and seal.
Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bondThou but offend'st thy lungs to speak so loud.
Seal
That which seals or fastens; esp., the wax or wafer placed on a letter or other closed paper, etc., to fasten it.
Seal
That which confirms, ratifies, or makes stable; that which authenticates; that which secures; assurance.
Like a red seal is the setting sunOn the good and the evil men have done.
Seal
An arrangement for preventing the entrance or return of gas or air into a pipe, by which the open end of the pipe dips beneath the surface of water or other liquid, or a deep bend or sag in the pipe is filled with the liquid; a draintrap.
Seal
To set or affix a seal to; hence, to authenticate; to confirm; to ratify; to establish; as, to seal a deed.
And with my hand I seal my true heart's love.
Seal
To mark with a stamp, as an evidence of standard exactness, legal size, or merchantable quality; as, to seal weights and measures; to seal silverware.
Seal
To fasten with a seal; to attach together with a wafer, wax, or other substance causing adhesion; as, to seal a letter.
Seal
Hence, to shut close; to keep close; to make fast; to keep secure or secret.
Seal up your lips, and give no words but "mum".
Seal
To fix, as a piece of iron in a wall, with cement, plaster, or the like.
Seal
To close by means of a seal; as, to seal a drainpipe with water. See 2d Seal, 5.
Seal
Among the Mormons, to confirm or set apart as a second or additional wife.
If a man once married desires a second helpmate . . . she is sealed to him under the solemn sanction of the church.
Seal
To affix one's seal, or a seal.
I will seal unto this bond.
Seal
Fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
Seal
A device incised to make an impression; used to secure a closing or to authenticate documents
Seal
The pelt or fur (especially the underfur) of a seal;
A coat of seal
Seal
A member of a Naval Special Warfare unit who is trained for unconventional warfare;
SEAL is an acronym for Sea Air and Land
Seal
A stamp affixed to a document (as to attest to its authenticity or to seal it);
The warrant bore the sheriff's seal
Seal
An indication of approved or superior status
Seal
A finishing coat applied to exclude moisture
Seal
Fastener that provides a tight and perfect closure
Seal
Any of numerous marine mammals that come on shore to breed; chiefly of cold regions
Seal
Close with or as if with a seal;
She sealed the letter with hot wax
Seal
Make tight; secure against leakage;
Seal the windows
Seal
Decide irrevocably;
Sealing dooms
Seal
Affix a seal to;
Seal the letter
Seal
Cover with varnish
Seal
Hunt seals
Common Curiosities
What do manatees eat?
Manatees are herbivores that feed on a wide variety of aquatic plants.
Why are manatees considered vulnerable?
Manatees are vulnerable due to habitat destruction and boat strikes.
What is the primary diet of a seal?
Seals are carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish and marine invertebrates.
How do manatees move through water?
Manatees use their distinctive, paddle-like tail for slow propulsion through water.
How do seals adapt to cold water?
Seals have a layer of blubber under their skin for insulation against the cold.
Where do seals live?
Seals live in cold and temperate marine environments, often found on shorelines and ice floes.
Can manatees survive in cold waters?
Manatees prefer warm waters and may suffer from cold stress in cooler temperatures.
What challenges do manatees face in their natural habitat?
Manatees face challenges from boat strikes and loss of warm-water habitats.
How are seals and manatees different in social behavior?
Manatees are more solitary, while seals are social and often found in groups.
What makes manatees unique among marine mammals?
Manatees' gentle nature, herbivorous diet, and unique tail design set them apart.
Do seals have predators?
Seals are preyed upon by larger marine animals such as sharks and orcas.
What is unique about a manatee's tail?
The manatee's tail is paddle-like, differentiating it from the flippers or tails of other marine mammals.
Are manatees endangered?
Manatees are considered vulnerable or endangered in different regions due to various environmental threats.
How do seals communicate?
Seals communicate through vocalizations and body language, especially in social groups.
How do seals stay warm in icy waters?
Seals use their fur and blubber to insulate against cold water temperatures.
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Maham LiaqatCo-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.