Quick answer
Dugongs feed on herbivore — seagrasses and algae, adjusting seasonally based on local habitat and prey or plant availability.
Diet overview
Dugongs are mammals that rely on herbivore — seagrasses and algae. The dugong is a large marine mammal that grazes seagrass meadows in warm coastal waters from East Africa to Australia. Adults reach 2.
Feeding behaviour
Foraging strategy varies by season. Dugongs may hunt, graze, filter-feed, or scavenge depending on ecology.
Role in the food web
As mammals, they interact with predators, prey, and competitors across their range.
Human-related feeding risks
Never feed wild dugongs — it habituates animals to people and can spread disease.
Sources
FAQs
What do dugongs eat?
Herbivore — seagrasses and algae.
Are dugongs carnivores or herbivores?
Their diet is best described as: herbivore — seagrasses and algae.
Do dugongs change diet seasonally?
Yes — many species shift food sources as seasons and prey abundance change.
Can I feed wild dugongs?
No — feeding wild animals is unsafe and often illegal.