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Main Differences Between a Dugong and a Manatee. Here are the top five main differences between a dugong and a manatee: Appearance: Dugongs and manatees are very similar in appearance, with no dorsal fins and snouts to feed on the ocean floor. Saying this, manatees have unique cervical vertebrae of only seven, whereas all other mammals have seven.
May 27, 2019 · Here are three easy ways to tell the difference between a manatee and a dugong. #1 Mouth shape – Dugongs have a longer, trunk-like snout and agile upper lip used to munch on seagrass. If you see a photo or a video of an animal snuffling around on the bottom and hoovering up lunch, it’s probably a dugong.
Dugongs are smaller and even slimmer than manatees, while manatees tend to have a rounder, chunkier appearance. Dugongs have a downturned, longer snout than manatees have, while manatees have no incisors or molars and instead simply have cheek teeth.
- They aren’t in the same family. Manatees and dugongs may be of the same order, but they are not of the same family classification. Manatees are members of the Trichechide family, and dugongs are members of the Dugongidae family.
- Manatees are larger. Dugongs and manatees are similar in size, but the fact of the matter is that manatees can grow to be much larger than dugongs. Dugongs grow up to nine feet in length, while manatees can grow up to thirteen feet in length.
- They live in different parts of the world. These two animals are found in different regions of the world. Dugongs are found throughout the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean.
- Different snouts. One of the most significant differences between the dugong and the manatee is their snouts. Dugongs have long, narrow snouts with thick vibrissae, or mustaches, that grow on their upper lips and chins.
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a manatee and dugong is by looking at their tails. Dugong tails are similar to dolphin, or even mermaid, tails. Two tail lobes are joined at the centre and stick out on either side.
Sep 29, 2021 · Both dugongs and manatees possess flippers that they use to help them swim and navigate through the water. However, there is a small difference in their flippers that can help you spot the difference between a dugong vs manatee. Unlike manatees, the flippers of a dugong lack nails.
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Oct 9, 2023 · Dugongs have a longer, trunk-like snout and agile upper lip used to munch on seagrass. Manatees have a shorter snout and typically feed at or near the surface. Dugongs tails have flukes and look similar to whale or dolphin tails, while manatees have a paddle-shaped tail.