Dugong and Similar Species
Dugong dugon
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Dugong. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Manatees (West Indian, Amazonian, African)
Trichechus manatus, Trichechus inunguis, Trichechus senegalensis
Key differences: Manatees have a paddle-shaped, rounded tail (not notched like a dugong's fluke). Their snout is less downturned and more rounded. Manatees also possess nails on their flippers, which dugongs lack. Manatees are found in the Atlantic basin, while dugongs are in the Indo-Pacific.
Steller's Sea Cow
Hydrodamalis gigas
Key differences: Steller's Sea Cow was a much larger sirenian (up to 9-10 meters long) and was found in colder, subarctic waters. It was hunted to extinction in the 18th century. Dugongs are significantly smaller and inhabit tropical waters.
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