Tell them apart
Dugong and West Indian manatee: how to tell them apart
A dugong has an indented tail, while a West Indian manatee has a paddle-shaped tail.
National Museum of Nature and ScienceUniversity of Michigan Animal Diversity Web
These are AI-created illustrations. Check the descriptions and sources below for fine details.
What to look for
Tail shape
- Dugong
Its tail is triangular with an indentation in the middle.
National Museum of Nature and Science- West Indian manatee
Its tail is shaped like a paddle.
University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web
The waters they live in
- Dugong
It lives in shallow tropical and subtropical seas.
National Museum of Nature and Science- West Indian manatee
It lives in shallow rivers, bays and estuaries, moving between fresh and salt water.
University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web
As well as the water where you find them, compare the shape of their tails.
Open the animal pages
Sources
- National Museum of Nature and Science — DugongChecked: 2026-11-08
- University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web — DugongChecked: 2026-11-08
- University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web — West Indian manateeChecked: 2026-11-08