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The dugong (/ ˈ d (j) uː ɡ ɒ ŋ /; Dugong dugon) is a marine mammal.It is one of four living species of the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of manatees.It is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae; its closest modern relative, Steller's sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas), was hunted to extinction in the 18th century.
1. Dugongs grow to a maximum length of 13 feet (4 m) long and weight of 595 pounds (270 kg). 2. Dugongs can live up to 70 years. 3. Dugongs are referred to as sea cows because they use their strong, cleft upper lips to graze on sea grasses they uproot from the seafloor. 4. Dugongs are sirenians and therefore related to manatees.
May 27, 2024 · What do dugongs eat - are they carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores? Dugongs are considered herbivores because they primarily feed on a diet of seagrass and algae at the bottom of the coastal beds. Less commonly, they will consume invertebrates either as a supplement while foraging for grass or as a replacement when other foods cannot be found.
- Female
- April 22, 1960
Dugongs can live for 70 years. Jellybean49 / Getty Images. Dugongs are ocean herbivores that have inspired ancient legends. Here we take a look at the fascinating species.
Since dugongs are herbivores, their diet consists exclusively of seagrass. They are often referred to as “sea cows” because of their grazing habit below the waves. Dugongs live in very shallow, temperate water where seagrass flourishes, and they need to eat plenty of it to stay healthy. These animals tend to graze 24 hours a day, ferreting ...
The dugong is the only sirenian that is strictly marine, inhabiting only ocean environments, whereas other sirenians like manatees can also be found in freshwater. Dugongs are distinguished from their closest relatives, the manatees, by their fluked, dolphin-like tail and unique skull and mouth structure adapted for bottom-feeding in shallow waters.
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These enormous vegetarians can be found in warm coastal waters from East Africa to Australia, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Dugongs are related to manatees and are similar in ...
