Despite its massive bulk, this amphibious mammal moves underwater with grace, and trots on land with surprising speed. Indeed, the name common hippopotamus, also called River Hippopotamus, Nile Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus or simply hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius), (Pronounciation: hip-oh-paw-TUH-muss AMM-fib-ee-us) means ‘river horse’, pertaining to this species’ semi-aquatic lifestyle. An extremely large animal with a round, barrel-shaped body, short legs and a large, broad head. The body is a greyish to muddy-brown color on top and a pale pink color underneath. The broad mouth can be opened extremely wide to expose large, curved canines, used in aggressive displays. The hippopotamus’ virtually hairless skin is moistened by a secreted pink, oily substance that protects the skin from sunburn and drying, and perhaps infection. A hippopotamus' nostrils are on the top of its head, so it can still breathe while almost totally submerged underwater.
Diet[]
Common hippopotamuses are mostly herbivores. They do not eat aquatic plants, despite popular myth. They eat dry, short grasses by constantly moving their lips really fast. Occasionally, hippos will eat dead zebras, dead wildebeests, dead impalas, other dead hippos, even dead elephants.
Reproduction[]
As with most animals, male hippopotamuses will fight each other for females, with their large mouths and sharp canine teeth, which can stab right through protective blubber. These territorial fights can end in death, with one bull so wounded from the fight that he just doesn't survive. The winner then mounts the female hippos, called cows, and then, the cows become pregnant for 6 weeks, then they will give birth to a single calf (twins are rare), weighing 150 lbs.
Lifespan[]
Common hippopotamuses can live up to 60 years in the wild. Up to 70 years in captivity.
Height[]
Common hippopotamuses can stand up to 5 feet tall.
Weight[]
Female hippos, called cows, can weigh up to 6,000 lbs, while male hippos, called bulls, weigh up to 10,000 lbs.
