Siren L. (Nixi subordo nova, Sirenia, Illiger) is redescribed on the basis of hitherto overlooked observations. Three species, essentially restricted to the sublittoral of warm seas, are recognized. Records from higher latitudes are explained as those of wampum-collecting individuals. Biological and ethological data are reviewed and new inferences made about mariculture. The extinction of the group during this century is hypothesized to have been caused by the increase of jellyfish due to reduction of planktivorous visual predators by humans.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Karl Banse (1990) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched one closely related paper. Consider it for comparative context: