Marine Creature of the Month - Around the World!
Name: Dugong Kingdom: Animalia Class: Mammalia Conservation Status: Vulnerable Location: Indian Ocean! The can be found off the coast of 40 countries in the Indo-Pacific area as they depend on seagrass meadows. These waters are warm and tropical, and they tend to be found in large protected bays around 10m (33ft) deep. If seagrass grows there, then it is likely dugongs will be found in the area. They have been known to travel to depths of 37m (121ft) to find that tasty grass. Size: Dugongs are classes as a medium sized marine mammal. They grow up to 3m (9.8ft) in length and would weigh about 420kg (926lbs) at this size. Appearance: Dugongs look a little like aquatic tapirs. They are blubbery and similar in shape to dolphins with an extendable snout. (Hence tapir.) Their mouth is very flexible for all their grazing needs, their upper lip is horseshoe shaped to maximise on their foraging endeavours. Much like other marine mammals, they have flippers and use their ...