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6 days ago · dugong, (Dugong dugon), marine mammal that inhabits the warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, feeds on seagrasses, and is similar to the manatee.
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.
The dugong (Dugong dugon) is the only species in its family, Dugongidae, and is one of the four living species of the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of manatees. 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.
- Mammalia (Mammals)
- Chordata
- Sirenia
No other species resemble Dugongs in their Indo-Pacific range. Dugongs may be confused with small cetaceans, particularly Finless Porpoises and Irrawaddy Dolphins; however their lack of a dorsal fin and the location of their nostrils at the tip of the snout are distinguishing characteristics.
- (Müller, 1776)
- 180.7K
- Dugong dugon
Dugongs belong to the order Sirenia, so named for the mammary glands akin to human breasts and their nursing behavior. Because of this, some sailors call dugongs mermaids or sirens, from which the name was created.
The dugong is a herbivorous marine mammal sometimes referred to as a ‘sea cow’, and one of four living species that belongs to the order Sirenia. They graze on underwater grasses and have an adorable, plump appearance, with a dolphin tail, round head and downward snout.
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The dugong (Dugong dugon) is one of four living species of the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of manatees.