Quelle est la différence entre un dugong et un lamantin ?
Quelle est la différence entre un dugong et un lamantin ?
Il s'en distingue aussi par sa nageoire caudale qui est triangulaire tandis que celle des lamantins est en forme de palette arrondie. Le dugong possède également deux incisives caractéristiques apparentées à des défenses (jusqu'à 18 cm de long).
Où vivent les dugongs ?
A l'inverse du lamantin avec qui on le confond souvent et qui peut vivre en eau douce, le dugong vit exclusivement en mer. Il évolue dans les zones côtières du bassin Indo-Pacifique sur les littoraux de la mer Rouge, de l'océan Indien et de l'océan Pacifique ouest.
Do Dugong have predators?
- Dugongs are long lived, and the oldest recorded specimen reached age 73. They have few natural predators, although animals such as crocodiles, killer whales, and sharks pose a threat to the young, and a dugong has also been recorded to have died from trauma after being impaled by a stingray barb.
Do Dugong have teeth?
- The dugong is easily distinguished from the manatees by its fluked, dolphin-like tail, but also possesses a unique skull and teeth. Its snout is sharply downturned, an adaptation for feeding in benthic seagrass communities. The molar teeth are simple and peg-like unlike the more elaborate molar dentition of manatees.
What is the Diet of a dugong?
- The dugong is an omnivore. Almost their entire diet is made up of sea grass which they spend the majority of the day foraging for. In some areas they will also seek out invertebrates including sea squirts and jelly fish. Dugongs walk on their flippers as they feed.
What is a prey to a dugong?
- Some populations will resort to consuming invertebrates such as shellfish, sea squirts, worms, and jellyfish, especially those hiding along the seagrass. Dugongs float across the bottom of the water to search for grasses with their bristled snouts. Their muscular lips help them suck up large quantities of food at a time.
