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Like all modern sirenians, the dugong has a fusiform body with no dorsal fin or hind limbs. The forelimbs or flippers are paddle-like. The dugong is easily distinguishable from the manatees by its fluked, dolphin-like tail; moreover, it possesses a unique skull and teeth.
Jul 12, 2024 · Dugongs can live for over 70 years and are capable of holding their breath for up to 11 minutes while diving deep to feed. Despite their impressive abilities, dugongs face numerous threats. They’re listed as vulnerable or endangered in many areas.
6 days ago · In the past dugongs were widely and heavily hunted by humans for their meat, hides, and oil. Although now protected by law throughout their range, dugongs in some areas remain in danger of local extinction because of excessive hunting and habitat degradation.
Aug 21, 2020 · The dugong is a marine mammal that spends its time grazing on seagrass in shallow coastal waters. A close relative of manatees, it is the only remaining member of the Dugongidae family. Often dubbed 'sea cows', dugongs are the only marine mammal that eats virtually only plants.
- Shawn Laidlaw
- Sirenia
- Mammalia
- Chordata
Few dugongs are kept in human care, and knowledge of their needs is sparse. Because sea grass is impractical to grow for feeding, animals in aquariums are generally fed lettuce. This diet has worked well for manatees in the United States.
Feb 27, 2024 · Dugongs sport a dolphin-like, fluked tail, while manatees have a rounded, paddle-shaped tail. It’s like comparing a sleek sports car to a comfy sedan—both cool, but in different ways. And let’s talk snouts. Dugongs have a more pronounced, downturned snout, perfect for snuffling through seagrass.
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The dugong (Dugong dugon) is the only herbivorous marine mammal. A single adult dugong can grow up to three meters, weigh up to 500 kilograms and live for 70 years. Dugongs can remain underwater for 3 to 12 minutes while feeding and travelling. They can eat up to 40 kilograms of seagrasses per day.
