* Seagrass: This is their main food source. They graze on various species of seagrass, consuming the leaves, stems, and roots.
* Algae: Dugongs will also consume algae, especially when seagrass is scarce.
They use their strong, leathery lips and prehensile upper lip to pull up seagrass from the seafloor. Their teeth, which are adapted for grinding, help them break down the tough plant material.
Dugongs are important for maintaining healthy seagrass meadows, as their grazing helps to control the growth of seagrass and create space for new growth.