Physical description
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The dugong and the manatee are very closely related and can look almost identical until you look at their tail.
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The tail of the dugong is typically forked like the tail of a shark, where the tail of the is broad manatee is flat, and slightly more flipper looking than fin looking.
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Dugongs are smaller than manatee
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The front flippers of the dugong can be as much as half a meter in length.
 General Characteristics
Length : 2.7m to 3 m ( 8.9 – 9.8 ft )
Weight :  230 – 400 kg ( 506.61 – 881.06 )
Range : Northern waters of Australia between Shark Bay (Western Australia) and Moreton Bay (Queensland)
Habitat – Shallow rivers, canals, saltwater bays, wide mangroves and coastal areas.
Diet –Â Sea Grasses , selfish and sea squirts
What type of animal : Herbivore
Status – Dugong population have decreased
Reason for the status – Hunting for meat , and blubber
Gestation Period – 13 to 15 months
Lifespan – 70 years in wild / 10 years in captivity