The Hippo
Hippos, also known as hippopotamuses, are large, semi-aquatic mammals found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are recognized by their barrel-shaped bodies, huge mouths with long, sharp teeth, and stubby legs for their size. They're the third largest land mammal after elephants and white rhinos, weighing up to 7,000 pounds! They love water and spend most of their time submerged to keep their skin moisturized and cool.
| Hippo | |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 feet tall at shoulder, 13 feet long (1.5 meters tall at shoulder, 4 meters long) |
| Weight | 3,000 to 4,000 pounds (1,400 to 1,800 kilograms) |
| Speed | 19mph (30km/h) |
| Key Strength | Powerful jaws with large teeth |
| Biggest Weakness | Poor eyesight |
| Scientific Name | Hippopotamus amphibius |
| Family | Hippopotamidae |
| Habitat | Rivers, lakes and swamps |
| Geography | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Diet | Herbivorous, primarily grasses |
| Lifespan | 40 years - 50 years |
The Hippo
Hippos, also known as hippopotamuses, are large, semi-aquatic mammals found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are recognized by their barrel-shaped bodies, huge mouths with long, sharp teeth, and stubby legs for their size. They're the third largest land mammal after elephants and white rhinos, weighing up to 7,000 pounds! They love water and spend most of their time submerged to keep their skin moisturized and cool.
Fun Fact: Although hippos seem hefty and slow, they can run up to 20 miles per hour - that's faster than a human!
| Hippo | |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 feet tall at shoulder, 13 feet long (1.5 meters tall at shoulder, 4 meters long) |
| Weight | 3,000 to 4,000 pounds (1,400 to 1,800 kilograms) |
| Speed | 19mph (30km/h) |
| Key Strength | Powerful jaws with large teeth |
| Biggest Weakness | Poor eyesight |
| Scientific Name | Hippopotamus amphibius |
| Family | Hippopotamidae |
| Habitat | Rivers, lakes and swamps |
| Geography | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Diet | Herbivorous, primarily grasses |
| Lifespan | 40 years - 50 years |
Hippo Matchups
We use AI to simulate matchups between the Hippo and other animals. Our simulation considers size, strength, and natural predatory behaviors to determine the most likely outcome.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the name Hippopotamus comes from ancient Greek words meaning 'river horse’?
Fun Fact: Despite being vegetarian, hippos have been known to open their mouth at an impressive 150 degrees wide revealing their enormous teeth!