Underwater Silliness AKA The Dugong: An Ode to the Awkwardly Adorable Sea Cow

Hey there NovoScuba tribe. Ever encountered a creature so uniquely awkward and delightfully dorky that it feels like Mother Nature’s very own comedy special? Meet the dugong. Yes, you heard it right, we’re honouring the majestic sea cow and all its gloriously goofy antics. So grab your snorkels and your sense of humour as we dive deep into the delightful world of these underwater comedians.

First things first, let’s address the dugong’s undeniable dorkiness. Picture a creature that looks like a cross between a blimp and a vacuum cleaner, with the body of a hefty hippo, the snout of a stubby elephant, and the gracefulness of a… well, let’s just say a dugong navigating through the ocean is akin to a bull in a china shop. Yep, that’s our dugong friend, and let’s just say they’re not winning any beauty pageants anytime soon. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? And if you ask me, there’s something endearing about those big, soulful eyes and that perpetually perplexed expression. But hey, who needs grace when you’ve got charisma by the barrel?

Let’s talk about the dugong’s favourite pastime: eating. These sea cows are the ultimate foodies, spending most of their days munching on seagrass like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet, and let me tell you, they’re not exactly dainty diners. Picture a dugong with a mouthful of seagrass, looking like a toddler trying to stuff spaghetti into their face with both hands. It’s messy, it’s hilarious, and it’s oh-so-endearing.

And then there’s the dugong’s attempts at courtship. Ah, love is in the water, and these sea cows aren’t afraid to show their affection in the most awkward ways possible. Imagine, if you can, a male dugong serenading his lady love with a song that can only be described as a cross between a beluga whale’s mating call and a foghorn, whilst performing a display that can be likened to a cross between a ballet recital and a game of underwater twister. And if that doesn’t woo her, well, there’s always the backup plan: awkwardly bumping into her like a clumsy teenager at a school dance. 

Of course, no discussion of dugongs would be complete without mentioning their not-so-secret weapon: their unparalleled ability to photobomb. Whether it’s a tranquil underwater photoshoot or a family capturing memories on the beach, you can bet your snorkel that a dugong will emerge unexpectedly, posing as if to say, “Check me out, I’m a star!” Step aside, paparazzi, there’s a new photobombing sensation in town!

And let’s not forget about the dugong’s wardrobe choices. With a skin that’s as wrinkled as a raisin and a colour palette that ranges from murky brown to algae green, you might think these sea cows would blend into the background like a forgotten houseplant. But oh no, not the dugong. With a fashion sense that’s part avant-garde, part “I found this in the bargain bin at the thrift store,” these creatures are making waves in the world of underwater couture. Who needs designer labels when you’ve got natural charm?

But perhaps the most endearing thing about dugongs is their sense of community. These creatures are social butterflies, forming tight-knit bonds with their fellow sea cows and even other marine species. Picture a dugong swimming lazily through the ocean, surrounded by a posse of pals that includes everything from fish to turtles to the occasional curious human. It’s like an underwater version of “Friends,” with less coffee and more seagrass.

So as we celebrate the wonder and whimsy of the dugong today, on World Dugong Day, let’s raise a glass to these lovably ludicrous creatures of the sea. From their awkward antics to their endearing charm, the dugong reminds us all that it’s okay to be a little bit weird, a little bit clumsy, and a whole lot of lovable. So here’s to you, dear dugong, may your seagrass always be plentiful and your unexpected appearances always bring joy. Cheers to the dugong, one of our favourite entertainers of the sea!