How to Identify Dugong

To identify Dugong (Dugong dugon), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dugongs typically have a pale cream to dark grey or brownish-grey coloration on their dorsal surface, often lighter on the ventral side. Color can vary with age, diet, and the presence of algae on their skin.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Large, fusiform body, tapering at both ends., Paddle-like forelimbs (flippers) used for steering and propulsion., Fluke-like tail, horizontally flattened and notched, similar to a dolphin's., Absence of a dorsal fin., Thick, wrinkled skin, often sparsely covered with short, coarse hairs., Unique, downward-pointing, broad snout with a bristly upper lip, adapted for grazing on seagrass., Small eyes and ear openings., Males possess tusks (incisors) that erupt in adulthood, though these are often not visible externally in females.

Dorsal fin

Absent

Tail fin

Horizontally flattened, notched fluke, similar to a dolphin's tail, used for propulsion.

Pectoral fin

Paddle-like flippers, used for steering, balance, and occasionally for 'walking' along the seabed.

Distinctive fins

No pelvic fins. The pectoral flippers are the only paired appendages.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Tail Shape

   The most distinguishing feature from manatees is the dugong's fluke-like, notched tail, similar to a dolphin's, whereas manatees have a paddle-shaped, rounded tail.

2. 2

   Snout Shape

   Dugongs have a broad, downward-pointing snout with a bristly upper lip, specifically adapted for grazing on seagrass from the seabed. Manatees have a more rounded snout.

3. 3

   Absence of Nails

   Unlike manatees, dugongs do not have nails on their flippers.

4. 4

   Size and Body Shape

   Adult dugongs typically measure 2.4 to 3.0 meters (7.9 to 9.8 feet) in length and weigh between 250 and 420 kilograms (550 to 930 pounds), though larger individuals up to 4.0 meters (13 feet) and 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) have been recorded. Their body is more streamlined than that of manatees.

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