AP

An adult Manatee and two calves swim as they find warmer waters in Blue Spring in Orange City, Florida.

They are not blessed with the beauty gene and their imposing bulk can even be a little terrifying for anyone in the water with them.

But manatees are putty in your hand if you give them a good tickle.

As the weather cools in autumn and winter, snorkellers in Florida’s Crystal Cove have the chance to see the rotund animals, sometimes known as sea cows, up close.

Manatees head to the freshwater springs in the state when their usual ocean habitat becomes too cold.

Underwater photographer Alex Mustard captured these images when he travelled to Florida’s west coast to see the animals, which can grow to 13 feet long (four metres) and weigh up to 135 stone (850kg).

He said: “Manatees live life at a slow pace, so when you swim with them you are forced to chill down to their speed.

“They're just floating about in a sort of zen state. Then, when they come up to you and want you to scratch them, it is so exciting – you get a real connection.”

The 36-year-old said photographing manatees was an easy task because of their laid-back nature.

He said: “Manatees are big and, if you don't stress them, very friendly, so they are easy to get close to the camera. If you give one a good scratch, it will remember and 30 minutes later you will feel a nudge in your side – and there is the same individual wanting another tickle.

“The babies are the most playful, and I think the adults are happy to have snorkellers entertain their energetic youngsters while they get some sleep.”

Mustard began his passion for underwater photography as a child and every year he travels across the globe exploring everything from shipwrecks to wildlife. – Daily Mail

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