Hyenatee

Discovery LocationWest African Coast

Lead ResearcherE. Shenzi

Field Report Summary

Known locally as the 'Laughing Mermaid', the Hyenatee is a coastal scavenger that clears beaches of carrion carried out by the tide. Its powerful jaws can crush turtle shells and crab carapaces. Unlike its gentle manatee cousins, it is social and aggressive, defending carcasses from sharks.

Physical Description

Manatee body with the head, ears, and spotting of a spotted hyena.

Habitat

Mangroves and Estuaries

Dietary Behavior

Scavenger / Carnivore

Evolutionary Origin

Coastal niche scavenging

Behavioral Notes

Underwater vocalizations sound like manic giggling.