Dugongs

Dugongs are gentle marine mammals that live in warm, shallow waters. They are related to manatees and are sometimes called sea cows. Dugongs spend their time grazing on sea grass on the ocean floor. They are found along the coasts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Sea Grass Grazers

Dugongs eat sea grass, which grows on the ocean floor in shallow water. They use their large, flat snouts to dig up the grass. A dugong can eat up to 88 pounds of sea grass in a single day. They leave feeding trails on the sea floor that look like underwater crop circles.

Slow and Gentle

Dugongs are slow swimmers and very peaceful animals. They can hold their breath for about six minutes before coming up for air. Mother dugongs are very protective of their calves. Dugongs can live for up to 70 years in the wild.

Fun Facts

• Dugongs can eat up to 88 pounds of sea grass per day.
• Dugongs may have inspired ancient legends about mermaids.
• A dugong can hold its breath for about 6 minutes while feeding.

Did You Know?

Dugongs are the only marine mammals that eat only plants. Manatees sometimes eat small fish, but dugongs stick to a strict diet of sea grass!