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May 27, 2024 · The earliest animal that had a dugong-like appearance is believed to be the Potamosiren, which lived around 15 million years ago. Appearance and Behavior Dugongs are insulated with layers of fat and can weigh up to 1,100 pounds.
- Female
- April 22, 1960
[6] [7] [8] The name was first adopted and popularized by the French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, as "dugon" in Histoire Naturelle (1765), after descriptions of the animal from the island of Leyte in the Philippines.
Apr 5, 2024 · In fact, dugongs (Dugong dugon) are cousins of manatees and share a similar appearance, but for their dolphin fluke-like tail, shorter fins, and long, more prehistoric-looking face. Both are related to elephants, but not hippos.
6 days ago · Dugongs are usually observed singly or as pairs, and sightings of dugongs by early seafarers are believed to have given rise to the mythology of mermaids and Sirens. Herds of 100–200 dugongs, however, are sometimes seen, 450 being the maximum recorded.
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.
- Shallow warm coastal waters
- Mainly in Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean
- Up to 70 years
- 8 to 10 feet
They have a unique appearance with a cylindrical-shaped body, paddle-like flippers, and a tail that is forked like a dolphin’s. Dugongs are often referred to as “sea cows” due to their herbivorous diet, where they predominantly feed on seagrass.
From their ancient lineage to their crucial role in marine ecosystems, dugongs never fail to amaze. In this article, we’ll explore 15 intriguing facts about these remarkable creatures that roam the warm coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific.
