Dugong

The dugong is a large plant-eating marine mammal that grazes seagrass in shallow coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific. Its downturned snout and muscular upper lip help uproot food. A fluked tail drives swimming, distinguishing its outline from the rounded tail of manatees. Dugongs surface to breathe and may leave visible feeding trails through seagrass beds. Calves remain close to their mothers while nursing and learning feeding areas. Their distribution is closely linked to the availability of suitable coastal vegetation.