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Dugong

Marine life profile

Dugong

Recorded at 24 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Dugong around the world

The <b>dugong</b> (/ˈduːɡɒŋ/, /ˈdjuːɡɒŋ/; <i>Dugong dugon</i>) is a medium-sized marine mammal. Social and alert, it communicates through movement, sound and close coordination with others in its group.

Dive sites24
Countries7
Animal groupMammals
Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Look for smooth skin, deliberate breathing at the surface and powerful tail-driven movement.

How It Behaves

Social and alert, it communicates through movement, sound and close coordination with others in its group.

Special Ability

Breath control, sensitive hearing and complex social awareness support long dives and precise underwater navigation.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Keep a respectful distance and let the animal initiate any closer pass. Never pursue, touch or separate a group.

Safety

These are strong, protected wild animals. Follow local interaction rules and avoid placing yourself between adults and young.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

It is one of four living species of the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of manatees.

Where to Find

Look in productive coastal water, sheltered bays, channels and offshore feeding areas where food is concentrated.

Known countries

VanuatuIndiaSolomon IslandsIndonesiaEgyptAustraliaPhilippines