DugongDugongidae

Dugongs are large, herbivorous marine mammals with a robust, fusiform body and paddle-like forelimbs. Unlike their manatee relatives, they possess a horizontal fluked tail, similar to dolphins. Adults reach up to 3 meters (9.8 ft) in length and weigh as much as 420 kg (925 lb). Their thick skin ranges from grey to brownish-grey dorsally, becoming paler on the underside. The common name "dugong" derives from the Malay word 'duyung', meaning 'lady of the sea'.

Dugongs inhabit shallow, sheltered coastal waters and bays, primarily over seagrass meadows, typically remaining at depths under 10 meters (33 ft). They are strict herbivores, grazing on seagrass by uprooting rhizomes with a bristly, downward-pointing snout. Individuals or small groups move slowly and are generally shy, making observations rare in the 🌊 Red Sea.