Dugong
A species of Dugong, Also known as Sea pig Scientific name : Dugong dugon Genus : Dugong
Dugong, A species of Dugong
Also known as:
Sea pig
Scientific name: Dugong dugon
Genus: Dugong
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Geoff Spiby / www.geoffspiby.co.za , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The dugong or Indian manatee (Dugong dugon) is the manatee most adapted to marine life. It is the only living member of the once large family of dugongs (Dugongidae). Another member of the family, the Steller's sea cow, died out in the eighteenth century. The name "dugong" comes from the Malay "duyung", which means mermaid. The legends about mermaids probably originated from encounters between sailors and dugongs.
People often ask
General Info
Lifespan
70-100 years
Diet
Dugong primarily subsists on seagrass, demonstrating a remarkable preference for species like Thalassia hemprichii. These marine mammals conduct extensive grazing sessions, enduring algae and invertebrates attached to their primary food source.
Appearance
The dugong is a medium-sized marine mammal with a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body, growing up to 3 meters and weighing around 400 kilograms. Its thick, smooth skin has a smoky-blue to slate-gray hue, and its lower body is pale or whitish. It possesses a brunet-like snout and its tail is similar to a whale's fluke. Males are typically larger and bulkier than females. There are no significant markings or variations.
Behavior
Dugong is a solitary and sedentary animal, usually inhabiting specific marine areas. Its primary activity is grazing on seagrass which makes up its diet, often spending up to six hours daily foraging. Distinctively, dugong utilizes coprophagy - eating its feces to optimize nutrient extraction. It doesn't show territorial behavior, but has adapted to shallow water to minimize predator exposure.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Geoff Spiby / www.geoffspiby.co.za , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Scientific Classification
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