The dugong is a mammal species found in the coastal waters of the western Indo-Pacific and Australia. It closely resembles a manatee and is also called the "sea cow" since it spends much of the time grazing on sea grass. It is believed that mermaid legends may have originated from dugong sightings by sailors who mistook them for half-human half-fish creatures. Adults can reach over nine feet long and weigh up to 2000 lbs.