Dugong vs Manatee: Key Differences Between These Marine Mammals

Dugongs and manatees are marine mammals often mistaken for each other. These gentle giants share many similarities, but they have key differences that set them apart. Dugongs have fluke-shaped tails like whales, while manatees have round, paddle-like tails.

Both animals belong to the order Sirenia and are sometimes called sea cows. They live in warm coastal waters and eat sea grass. Dugongs are found mainly in the Indo-Pacific region, while manatees live in the Americas and West Africa.

Dugongs tend to be smaller and slimmer than manatees. They have longer snouts that point downward, which helps them graze on sea grass. Manatees have wider, rounder bodies and blunt snouts. Both species face threats from human activities and need protection to survive.

Taxonomy and Classification

Dugongs and manatees belong to different families within the order Sirenia. Their classifications reflect key anatomical and evolutionary differences between these marine mammals.

Dugong (Dugong Dugon)

The dugong is the only living species in the family Dugongidae. Its scientific name is Dugong dugon. Dugongs are closely related to the extinct Steller’s sea cow.

Dugongs have a distinct fluked tail like a whale. This feature sets them apart from manatees. They also have a longer snout compared to manatees.

Scientists place dugongs in the following taxonomic ranks:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Sirenia
• Family: Dugongidae
• Genus: Dugong
• Species: D. dugon

Manatee (Trichechus)

Manatees belong to the family Trichechidae. There are three living species of manatees:

1. West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)
2. Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis)
3. African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis)

Manatees have paddle-shaped tails, unlike the fluked tail of dugongs. They also have shorter snouts.

The taxonomic classification for manatees is:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Sirenia
• Family: Trichechidae
• Genus: Trichechus

Each manatee species has its own specific name, like T. manatus for the West Indian manatee.

Physical Characteristics

Dugongs and manatees have distinct physical features that set them apart. These sea mammals differ in size, shape, skin texture, coloration, and the structure of their tails and flippers.

Size and Shape

Manatees are larger than dugongs. They can grow up to 13 feet long (3.9 meters) and weigh around 1,200 pounds (544 kg). Dugongs are smaller, reaching 7 to 11 feet in length (2.2 to 3.4 meters) and weighing up to 925 pounds (420 kg).

Also read: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Dugong

Manatees have a more rounded body shape. Their heads are squarer with a short, wide snout.

Dugongs have a more streamlined body. Their heads are smaller with a longer, narrower snout that points downward.

Skin and Coloration

Both animals have thick, tough skin. Manatees’ skin is wrinkled and often covered in algae, giving them a greenish tint.

Dugongs have smoother skin with less visible wrinkles. Their skin color ranges from brownish-gray to light gray.

Both species may have sparse hair on their bodies. This helps them sense their surroundings in murky waters.

Tail and Flippers

The tail is a key feature to tell dugongs and manatees apart. Dugongs have fluked tails, similar to dolphins or whales. Their tails have two distinct lobes.

Manatees have paddle-shaped tails that are round and flat. This tail shape helps them move in shallow waters.

Both animals have two front flippers. These flippers are used for steering and bringing food to their mouths. Dugongs have smoother flippers, while manatees’ flippers often have nails.

Habitat and Distribution

Dugongs and manatees live in warm coastal waters. They prefer different areas based on their specific needs and adaptations.

Dugong Habitats

Dugongs live in shallow coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. They like areas with seagrass beds, their main food source.

Dugongs are found near countries like Australia, India, and parts of East Africa. They stay close to shore in waters less than 10 meters deep.

These animals avoid cold waters. They can’t survive in temperatures below 18°C (64°F).

Dugongs migrate to follow seagrass growth. This means they move between different coastal areas throughout the year.

Manatee Habitats

Manatees live in warm, shallow coastal areas and rivers. They’re found in the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.

These animals prefer water temperatures above 20°C (68°F). In winter, they gather near natural springs or power plant outflows for warmth.

Manatees can live in both salt and fresh water. They often move between the two. Some species, like the Amazonian manatee, live only in fresh water.

Florida manatees travel along the coasts of Florida and Georgia. In summer, some go as far north as Massachusetts.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Dugongs and manatees have different eating habits and food preferences. Both are herbivores, but they focus on different plant types and use distinct feeding methods.

Dugong Diet

Dugongs are bottom-feeders that mainly eat seagrass. They use their strong snouts to dig up plants from the sea floor, roots and all.

Dugongs sometimes eat small sea creatures like squid and octopus. This adds variety to their diet.

Their feeding habits can impact seagrass beds. As dugongs eat, they create trails in the underwater meadows. This helps maintain the health of these important ecosystems.

Manatee Diet

Manatees have a wider diet than dugongs. They eat many types of water plants, including:

• Seagrasses
• Algae
• Freshwater vegetation

Manatees use their flexible lips to grab plants. They can eat both floating plants and those rooted to the bottom.

These gentle giants need to eat a lot. An adult manatee can consume up to 10% of its body weight in plants each day. This means a 1,000-pound manatee might eat 100 pounds of food daily.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Dugongs and manatees have slow reproductive cycles and long lifespans. These traits make them vulnerable to population declines. Let’s look at how each species reproduces and how long they typically live.

Dugong Reproduction

Dugongs reach sexual maturity between 8 and 18 years old. Females give birth every 2.5 to 7 years. The gestation period lasts about 13-15 months.

Dugongs usually have one calf at a time. The calf stays with its mother for about 18 months, nursing and learning survival skills.

Female dugongs can keep reproducing into their 30s and 40s. This long reproductive period helps offset their slow breeding rate.

Manatee Reproduction

Manatees become sexually mature around 5-9 years old. Females typically give birth every 2-5 years. Their gestation period is about 12 months.

Like dugongs, manatees usually have one calf per birth. Twins are rare but can happen. The calf stays with its mother for 1-2 years, learning important survival skills.

Manatees can live 50 to 60 years. This long lifespan allows them to have multiple offspring over their lifetime, helping to maintain population levels.

Behavioral Traits

Dugongs and manatees have unique social habits and movement patterns. These traits shape how they interact and live in their ocean homes.

Social Behavior

Dugongs tend to be more solitary than manatees. They often swim alone or in small groups of 2-6 animals. Manatees are more social and can form larger groups of up to 20 individuals.

Both species are gentle and not aggressive. They spend most of their time eating plants in shallow waters.

Manatees are known to be curious about humans. They may approach boats or swimmers in the wild. Dugongs are shyer and usually avoid human contact.

Mother-calf bonds are strong in both species. Calves stay with their mothers for 1-2 years, learning survival skills.

Migration Patterns

Manatees and dugongs have different movement habits. Manatees often migrate to warmer waters when temperatures drop. Some manatees travel hundreds of miles each year between summer and winter homes.

Dugongs don’t migrate as much. They tend to stay in the same areas year-round. But they may move to find food or better conditions.

Manatees can live in both saltwater and freshwater. This allows them to travel up rivers and into inland waters. Dugongs stick to coastal marine areas and don’t venture into fresh water.

Both species are slow swimmers. They move at speeds of about 3-5 miles per hour. This makes them vulnerable to boat strikes in busy waterways.

Conservation Status

Manatees and dugongs face significant threats to their survival. Conservation efforts aim to protect these marine mammals and their habitats. Both species are vulnerable due to human activities and environmental changes.

Threats to Survival

Boat collisions pose a major risk to manatees and dugongs. Fast-moving watercraft can strike and injure or kill these slow-moving animals. Habitat destruction also threatens their survival. Coastal development and pollution damage seagrass beds, which are crucial food sources.

Fishing gear entanglement is another danger. Manatees and dugongs can become trapped in nets and lines, leading to injury or drowning. Climate change impacts their habitats too. Rising sea temperatures and extreme weather events can harm seagrass ecosystems.

Hunting, though less common now, still occurs in some areas. This practice further reduces already vulnerable populations.

Conservation Efforts

Scientists track manatee and dugong populations to monitor their status. The West Indian manatee is listed as vulnerable by conservation organizations. Dugongs are also considered vulnerable globally.

Protected areas have been established to safeguard critical habitats. These zones limit human activities that could harm the animals or their food sources. Speed limits for boats in certain areas help reduce collision risks.

Education programs raise awareness about these unique creatures. They teach people how to coexist safely with manatees and dugongs. Rescue and rehabilitation centers care for injured animals and release them back into the wild when possible.

Research efforts focus on understanding their biology and behavior. This knowledge helps create more effective conservation strategies. International cooperation is key, as these animals often cross national borders.

Cultural Significance

Dugongs and manatees have played important roles in human cultures across their native ranges. These gentle marine mammals have inspired stories, beliefs, and practices in various societies.

Mythology and Folklore

In West African folklore, manatees hold special significance. Some cultures view them as sacred creatures with magical powers. Legends often tell of manatees transforming into mermaids or water spirits.

Indigenous Australian groups have long-standing connections to dugongs. The animals feature in Dreamtime stories and traditional art. Some communities have dugong hunting rituals that emphasize respect for the creature.

Ancient seafarers sometimes mistook dugongs and manatees for mermaids. This likely contributed to mermaid myths in many cultures around the world.

Contemporary Relevance

Today, dugongs and manatees continue to captivate people’s imaginations. They appear in children’s books, nature documentaries, and conservation campaigns.

Manatees are culturally significant in Florida, where they’re considered state treasures. Local communities organize manatee festivals and educational programs. Many Floridians take pride in protecting these gentle “sea cows.”

Dugongs remain important to some coastal communities in the Indo-Pacific region. However, their declining numbers have reduced their presence in daily life. Conservation efforts now often highlight dugongs as symbols of marine ecosystem health.