Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus amphibius

Hippopotamuses are large, friendly animals that love to spend time in the water. They have big mouths and short legs, making them look very cute and funny!

Appearance

The Hippopotamus has an enormous, barrel-shaped body supported by short, thick legs, and a huge head with a very wide muzzle. Its sparse, greyish-brown skin appears almost hairless, and its eyes, ears, and nostrils are uniquely positioned on top of its head.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderArtiodactylaFamilyHippopotamidaeGenusHippopotamus

Hippopotamus

Interesting facts

A baby hippo is called a calf and is typically born underwater!

Hippos aren't great swimmers; they actually walk or push off the bottom of rivers!

Hippos have the widest mouth of any land animal, opening up to 150 degrees!

Their incredibly thick skin can weigh over 500 kilograms, making them very tough!

Special abilities

Hippopotamus has eyes, ears, and nostrils on top of its head that helps them see, hear, and breathe while mostly underwater.

Hippopotamus can secrete a reddish, oily fluid that acts as natural sunscreen and antiseptic, protecting their skin.

Hippopotamus can close their nostrils and hold their breath to walk or glide along riverbeds for several minutes.

Measurements & details

Length: 330-520 cm
Weight: 1300-3200 kg
Lifespan: 40-50 years
Top Speed: 30 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 240-250 days

Diet & Feeding

These chunky grazers mainly eat short grass by mowing it down with their wide mouths.

Age differences: Calves drink milk then slowly transition to grass.

Primary Foods

Short grass
Reeds
Fallen fruit

Foraging Method

Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Nile Crocodile

Crocodylus niloticus

often prey on hippo calves in the water.

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

can hunt young or weak adult hippos on land.

depends on

Nile Tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

benefits from hippo waste, fertilizing aquatic plants.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Thermoregulating

Learn about incredible animals that can keep their body temperature just right, no matter how hot or cold it gets outside! They have special ways to stay warm or cool.