Visited Blue Springs State Park just north of Orlando during DEMA this year. There was a single manatee in residence, lots of great visibility, tons of Spotted Gar, Tilapia and these bizarre little sailfin catfish, running turtles and a good deal more.
The headspring area and much of the short stream connecting to the St. Johns River are closed to swimmers and diver after mid November for the manatee. Up to several hundred manatee winter in the warmer 72 F waters here. Apparently the tilapia do the same, gets nippy in these parts for some of the aquatic life.
Video shot with GoPro WIDE camera
More about Blue Springs State Park at:
http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/
More about the manatee in Blue Springs:
http://www.savethemanatee.org/news_f..._season_05.htm
I understand the manatee do poorly in seasonal cooler water outside the refuge of the springs. It is essential that they winter in the spring warmed waters to survive. The park rangers are very active in working to assure the manatees are not disturbed. We were trying to keep our distance from the single manatee. It surprised me by swimming up and putting its nose within an 1/8 inch of my camera lens. Speaking to the park ranger after, I understand I need to swim away if it approaches. Live and learn.
Wonder how he might deal with something like this? Even more rare than manatee and yet how to separate the girl from the tail?
From:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1921MermaidLegs.jpg
.