This species is a seagrass specialist, inhabiting shallow and protected coastal waters in tropical seas. The dugong frequents marine environments and is rarely found in freshwater. Usually solitary or traveling in pairs, the most long-lasting groups appear to be the mother and its calf. This is the only marine mammal that feeds exclusively on plants. The dugong is known to feed typically at a depth upto five metres, but they have been recorded at depths of up to 33 metres. The female gives birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 13 to 14 months, measuring over a meter at birth and suckling from the female for 18 months. This species is extremely long-lived, reaching about 70 years or more.

Sea Grass: Seagrass grows on the seabed, creating underwater meadows that play a crucial role in supporting Gulf ecosystems. These habitats offer shelter to young shrimp, oysters, and various species, serving as a vital food source for many marine creatures. The roots of seagrasses contribute to stabilizing the sandy seabed, protecting it from erosion. Given the high salt levels and extreme temperature variations in the Arabian Gulf, only a few seagrass species can thrive. In Qatar, seagrasses are essential for stabilizing the seabed against wave action and other erosional forces.

Frey of, Jörg & Els, Johannes & Feulner, Gary & Hamidan, Nashat & Krupp, Friedhelm. (2020). Freshwater Fishes of the Arabian Peninsula. "Marine Life of the Arabian Region: Patterns and Processes in Extreme Tropical Environments" by Kassem Alemeiry, Julian Sprung, and Anthony Calfo."Fishes of the Arabian Gulf: A Field Guide" by John E. Randall and Dieter Ebert.