Mammal
Hippopotamus
Scientific name: Hippopotamus amphibius
This is a hippo. Hippos are huge animals that love the water!
Quick facts
- Size
- Length: 3.3–5 m (11–16 ft)
- Weight
- 1.4–4.5 tonnes (1.5–5 tons)
- Lives for
- 25–30 years
- Top speed
- 30 km/h (19 mph)
- Food
- Plant eater
- Awake
- Active at night
- In the wild
- Vulnerable
- They need our help to stay safe.
All about the Hippopotamus
Hippopotamuses live in the slow rivers and lakes of Africa. They spend the hot day resting in the water and come out at night to graze on grass. The name hippopotamus comes from Greek words meaning "river horse."
Fun facts
One star is easy, three stars are for big explorers.
- Easy
A hippo can hold its breath underwater for five minutes or more.
- Medium
A hippo eats about 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of grass every night.
- Medium
A hippo's big front teeth can grow 51 centimeters (20 inches) long.
- Hard
Some hippo calls have been measured at 115 decibels. That's super loud!
- Hard
A hippo can keep two days of grass in its stomach and go up to three weeks without eating.
Where does it live?
The coloured places on the map show where the Hippopotamus lives in the wild.
- Africa
What does the Hippopotamus eat?
- GrassFavourite food
- Fruit
Play and learn
Games with this animal and its friends.
