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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.
Interesting Facts About the Dugong. Dugongs differ from their closest living relative, the manatee, in a number of ways. These unique characteristics set dugongs apart from many other marine mammals. A Truly Marine Mammal – Dugongs are the only species in the order Sirenia (dugongs and manatees) that lives in an exclusively marine environment.
15. They can hold their breath for over 10mins. Dugong’s need to breath in oxygen from the surface, and then they are able to hold their breaths for up to 11mins at a time and can dive as deep as 33 meters to feed on the sea bed. 16. They may have been the inspiration for mermaid legends.
- Shallow warm coastal waters
- Mainly in Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean
- Up to 70 years
- 8 to 10 feet
- Dugongs Are Also Called Sea Cows. Dugongs have very muscular cleft upper lips that stick out over their mouths. These bristled and ultra-sensitive snouts are very strong and allow dugongs to root around the ocean floor and grab seagrass.
- They are Closely Related to Elephants. There were once other Dugongidae species like dugongs in the oceans, like the Steller’s sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas).
- You Can Guess a Dugong’s Age by Looking at the Rings on Its Tusks. The tusks of a dugong are actually just two elongated front teeth. These stick out from their mouths and have sharp, angled edges.
- Dugongs Can Live for a Very Long Time. When dugong babies are born, they are only around 3 or 4 feet long and weigh 44 to 77 pounds. That may not seem all that small, but a fully grown dugong can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds!
Jan 1, 2018 · tropical marine mammal. The dugong (Dugong dugon) is the only extant representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae in the order Sirenia. The dugong’s closest modern relative, Steller’s sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas), was hunted to extinction in the 18th century (Marsh et al., 2011). The word “dugong” derives from the Tagalog term ...
- Helene Marsh
- 2009
Feb 27, 2024 · Dugong Skin. Now, let’s talk about the Dugong’s skin, because frankly, it’s fascinating. If you’re picturing a smooth, slippery dolphin-like exterior, think again. Dugong skin is more like a thick, tough, slightly wrinkled overcoat that’s seen better days. It’s their first line of defense in a world that’s not always kind.
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May 7, 2015 · Dugong Facts. Dugongs can live for 70 years or more. Dugongs are more closely related to elephants than to other marine mammals. The colour of a Dugong can change due to growth of algae on the skin. As soon as a baby Dugong is born, the mother pushes it to the surface so that it can take a breath of air.
