Dugong
Dugong dugon
About
The dugong is the last living member of its family. Its closest relative, the giant Steller's sea cow, was hunted to extinction in the 1700s. This gentle giant can grow up to 406 cm long and weigh as much as 400 kg, yet it survives on nothing but seagrass.
Also known as: dugong dugon, dugong mudip, sea cow, sea pig
- Length
- 4.1 m
- Weight
- max 400 kg
- Depth
- 1–40 m
Habitat
It lives in warm, shallow inshore waters: bays, channels, and reef flats with seagrass beds on fine sand. It usually stays between 1 and 40 m deep, though it can dive to 200 m. Dugongs are mostly seen alone or in small groups of up to six.
Is it dangerous?
harmless to humans (vulnerable — sensitive to disturbance)
Did you know?
Dugongs are usually solitary or found in small groups, but one herd of around 600 was once recorded swimming together between Bahrain and Qatar.
Log it in Into the Blue
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