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Growing up to 3 metres long and weighing over 400kg, Dugongs are fluke-tailed relatives of the manatee. They swim at a gentle pace of 10km/hr, by using their tail in a whale-like manner and their front-flippers like dolphins.
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Dugongs are relatively slow-moving, swimming at around 10 km/h (3 m/s). [91] When moving along the seabed to feed they walk on their pectoral fins. [23] Dugong feeding may favor the subsequent growth of low-fibre, high-nitrogen seagrasses such as Halophilia and Halodule. [95]
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.
Dugongs graze on underwater grasses day and night, rooting for them with their bristled, sensitive snouts and chomping them with their rough lips. These mammals can stay underwater for six...
Ancient Mariners: Dugongs are believed to have inspired mermaid legends among sailors and coastal inhabitants, with their graceful swimming movements and human-like eyes. Gardeners of the Sea: Their grazing on seagrasses helps maintain healthy seagrass beds, which are important ecosystems supporting diverse marine life.
- Mammalia (Mammals)
- Chordata
- Sirenia
Sharing a pudgy, plump body shape, the dugong has a dolphin fluke-like tail and lives exclusively in salt water, unlike its fresh-water swimming relative. With an elongated snout that faces downwards towards its food source, the dugong is likely to give some spikey kisses, thanks to its enormous and sensitive, bristly upper lip which it uses to ...
Dugongs are highly dependent on the presence and health of seagrass habitats within these coastal and nearshore areas. Meet the sea cows that inhabit coastal waters and learn why dugong conservation is more important than ever.
