They may share similar appearances and lifestyles, but the differences between dugong vs. manatee are equally as fascinating. These gentle herbivores belong to the Sirenia order and have earned their sea cow reputations from their slow-moving nature and love for aquatic plants.
Whether you’re curious about their habitats, behaviors, or physical traits, this article sheds light on the differences between the dugong vs. manatee. Let's dive into what makes these marine mammals similar yet distinct.
ARE DUGONGS AND MANATEES THE SAME?
Let’s start with the proverbial elephant (or should we say “sea cow”) in the room.
While dugongs and manatees both belong to the Sirenia order, they are not the same species. Dugongs fall under the Dugongidae family, while manatees belong to the Trichechidae family. This distinction places dugongs and manatees on separate evolutionary paths despite their shared ancestry.
Both creatures share traits like herbivorous diets and slow movement, which make them look remarkably alike. But bear in mind that there is more than one difference between manatees and dugongs, such as their preferred habitats, social structures, and physical features. These distinctions between dugong vs. manatee are critical to understanding their unique adaptations and conservation needs.
In short, while dugongs and manatees are related and share the "sea cow" nickname, they are distinct species from one another. There are dugong and manatee differences that go beyond appearances.
3 MAIN DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN MANATEE VS. DUGONG
Understanding the difference between dugongs and manatees helps us appreciate their unique ecological roles and why protecting these species is so vital. Let’s now discuss 3 big distinctions between these two related animals.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
Dugong vs. manatee habitats differ significantly. Primarily, these big marine animals are influenced by their adaptations and ecological preferences.
Dugongs inhabit coastal saltwater regions and prefer shallow areas like bays and mangrove swamps. Their range spans the Indo-Pacific region along with waters near East Africa.
In contrast, manatees are more versatile. They thrive in both freshwater and saltwater environments. For example, West Indian manatees migrate to warmer freshwater springs in the winter, while Amazonian manatees live exclusively in freshwater rivers.
These habitat differences are crucial to conservation efforts, as dugongs are more vulnerable to habitat loss due to their reliance on specific seagrass beds, while manatees face threats from human activity in rivers and coastal areas. Protecting their environments is essential to ensuring their survival.
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
Despite their shared “sea cow” nickname, a dugong vs. manatee exhibits distinct physical features. Dugongs have a fluked tail resembling a whale’s, whereas manatees sport a paddle-shaped tail that propels them through freshwater and coastal environments. This difference is one of the most recognizable traits when comparing a manatee vs. dugong.
Another notable contrast in manatee vs. dugong distinctions lies in their teeth. Dugongs develop small tusks, visible in adult males and some older females, while manatees feature “marching molars.” These molars continuously move forward to replace worn teeth, which is a unique adaptation to their diet of abrasive plants.
Coloration and size differences further distinguish dugongs vs. manatees. The former tend to have a lighter, slate-gray color and a more streamlined body, while the latter are bulkier with a brownish-gray hue. A fact about manatees is that they are typically longer (reaching up to 13 feet or 4 meters) compared to a dugong’s 10 feet or 3 meters.
HOW DO THEY BEHAVE?
A dugong vs. manatee is generally solitary but can be observed in pairs or small groups. Their mating behaviors vary by region. In some areas, males engage in aggressive competitions for access to females, while in others, they participate in lekking gatherings where males display to attract females. Females typically give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 13 to 15 months, and may have calves every 2.5 to 7 years.
A manatee vs. dugong, on the other hand, is also mostly solitary but comes together during mating periods. During these times, a single female, or cow, is pursued by a group of males, forming what is known as a mating herd. This behavior is polygynous, as females may mate with multiple males during a single estrus cycle. Pregnancy for some manatee species lasts about 12 to 14 months, which typically results in one calf.
Their behaviors are deeply tied to their environments. A dugong vs. manatee prefers shallow coastal waters, where it will graze on seagrass and interact with its limited social circle. A manatee vs. dugong will navigate both fresh and saltwater habitats, which showcases its flexibility in its social structures.
WHY ARE DUGONGS AND MANATEES IMPORTANT TO THE ECOSYSTEM?
Dugongs and manatees are vital ecosystem engineers. Dugongs graze on seagrass, preventing overgrowth and promoting the health of seagrass beds. This creates habitats for other marine species, maintaining biodiversity in coastal regions.
Manatees play a similar role in freshwater and brackish environments. By feeding on aquatic vegetation, they prevent plant overgrowth that could otherwise disrupt water flow and harm local wildlife. These feeding habits make them among the most friendly animals in the world, indirectly benefiting countless other species.
Conserving dugongs and manatees is crucial for preserving the delicate balance of their ecosystems. Their loss could lead to unchecked vegetation growth, affecting biodiversity and water quality. Protecting these gentle giants ensures that their habitats remain healthy and thriving for generations to come.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THESE SEA COWS?
Dugongs and manatees teach us the importance of diversity in marine ecosystems. From a dugong’s preference for saltwater seagrass to a manatee’s versatility across fresh and saltwater habitats, their distinct adaptations highlight how species evolve to fit their environments.
At Fahlo, we believe in the power of education and action to protect incredible creatures like dugongs and manatees. Since 2018, we’ve partnered with nonprofits to create bracelets and plush toys that allow you to track real animals and learn about their lives. Through these efforts, we’ve proudly donated millions to wildlife conservation.
Join us in our mission to make a difference. Together, we can ensure a thriving future for these species and inspire others to value our planet’s biodiversity.