sea cow crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "sea cow crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all the most common and accurate solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "sea cow crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
DUGONG: A marine mammal related to the manatee, found in the Indo-Pacific, known for its distinctive fluke (tail) and often referred to as a sea cow.
7 Letters
MANATEE: A large, herbivorous aquatic mammal, also known as a sea cow, typically found in warm coastal waters of the Americas and West Africa.
More About "sea cow crossword clue"
The term "sea cow" is a common name given to aquatic mammals belonging to the order Sirenia, which includes manatees and dugongs. These fascinating creatures are entirely herbivorous, spending their days grazing on seagrass and other aquatic vegetation, much like their terrestrial namesakes. They are known for their gentle nature and slow, graceful movements in the water.
While often confused, manatees and dugongs have distinct features. Manatees typically have a paddle-shaped tail and are found in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, while dugongs possess a fluke-like tail similar to dolphins or whales and inhabit the Indo-Pacific region. Both are vital to their marine ecosystems, helping to maintain healthy seagrass beds. Understanding these animals can sometimes provide additional context for solving related crossword clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: For clues like "sea cow," where multiple answers are possible (e.g., MANATEE, DUGONG), the number of letters required is often the deciding factor. Always count the empty squares.
- Consider Regional Variations: While "sea cow" is a general term, some puzzles might lean towards an answer more prevalent in a specific region implied by another clue.
- Look for Plurals: If the clue implies a plural, ensure your answer ends with an 'S' or forms a plural correctly. This specific clue "sea cow" usually points to singular, but context is key.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting words to confirm your answer. If one letter doesn't fit, it might be the other "sea cow" option or an entirely different word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals are known as 'sea cows'?
The terms 'sea cow' generally refer to aquatic mammals from the order Sirenia, which includes manatees and dugongs. These large, herbivorous marine animals are known for their slow-moving nature and grazing habits.
How can I distinguish between a manatee and a dugong in crosswords?
In crosswords, the clue 'sea cow' often points to either MANATEE (7 letters) or DUGONG (6 letters). The best way to distinguish is by the number of letters required for the answer. Manatees have a paddle-shaped tail, while dugongs have a fluke like a whale, which can also be a distinguishing feature if other clues are present.
Are sea cows related to actual cows?
Despite the name, sea cows (manatees and dugongs) are not closely related to terrestrial cows. Their closest living relatives are actually elephants and hyraxes, which might seem surprising given their aquatic lifestyle and their herbivorous diet that leads to the 'cow' comparison.