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Dugongs and Manatees: What’s the Difference?

Dugongs and Manatees: What’s the Difference?

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on October 2, 2014

If you’re an avid diver in the Carribean, Gulf of Mexico, or off of the coast of Africa, chances are you’ve seen (or at least been made aware of the presence of) sea cows. These large, ungainly-looking, oddly graceful sea mammals from the order Sirenia pop up in oceans all around the word, and they all look very similar, so which is which? How can you tell the difference between dugongs and manatees?

First, the similarities: both dugongs and manatees have bodies heavily adapted for living in the sea. Their forelimbs are short and shaped like paddles to aid with steering, their hindlimbs have become vestigial structures that aren’t visible externally, and their tails are broad and used for propulsion. They are extremely muscular, but covered in a thick layer of blubber that helps insulate their bodies and make them more streamlined. Since fat is buoyant, the extreme density of their bones helps balance out this buoyancy and allow them to swim instead of merely float.

Dugongs are found in Pacific waters and off the coast of Africa. These peaceful herbivores are the only members of Sirenia that live exclusively in saltwater habitats. Their diet is fairly limited, consisting entirely of seagrass. Physically, dugongs can grow up to 3 meters in length, have fluke-like tails similar to dolphins, and tusk-like incisors.

Manatees are found off the coast of Africa, but also in the Carribean and Gulf of Mexico. They, like the dugongs, are also peaceful herbivores, though their diets are less restricted — they readily feed off of mangrove plants, algae, and turtle grass. Manatees also occasionally occupy freshwater, migrating to inland water sources during winter when ocean temperatures begin to drop. Physically, manatees tend to be larger than dugongs, have paddle-like tails, relatively short muzzles with flexible upper lips that help with grazing, and no incisors.

Though dugongs and manatees share some significant differences, both of these creatures face the same threats. Habitat loss, hunting, and other hazards have reduced their numbers, and boaters, divers, and other hobbyists should offer sirenians a wide berth when they encounter them.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro