Hippopotamus is the third largest animal on land, next to elephant and white rhino. It is one of the only two extant species in the Hippopotamidae family, with the other one being the Pygmy Hippopotamus. Hippopotamuses are found inhabiting rivers, swamps and protected areas, in Sub-Saharan Africa, and are herbivorous in nature. They spend majority of their time underwater and mostly walk along the bottoms of lakes and rivers, rather than swimming. To help you know more about hippopotamus, we have provided a number of interesting facts and some amazing information about the animal in the following lines.
Facts about Hippopotamus
Bionomial Name: Hippopotamus amphibius
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Hippopotamidae
Genus: Hippopotamus
Species: Two
Subspecies: Five
Height: Up to 5 feet
Length: Up to 13 feet
Weight: Up to 3½ tons
Age: 50 years
Maximum Speed: 30 mph (48 km/h) - over short distances
Natural Habitat: Rivers, swamps and protected areas (in Africa)
Diet: Grass, leaves and fruit
Age of Maturity: 12 years
Gestation Period: About 8 months
Number of Offspring: One
Interesting and Amazing Information on Hippopotamus
- Hippopotamuses are so big that they can easily walk underwater, along the bottoms of lakes and rivers.
- A hippopotamus does not sweat; rather it excretes an oily, red liquid that protects its skin. This red liquid has given birth to the myth that it sweats blood.
- The ears and nostrils of a hippopotamus close automatically when it goes underwater.
- Hippopotamuses have practically no hair. They have a very smooth skin, which is quite delicate.
- A hippopotamus often yawn as a threatening gesture. While yawning, it displays its long, thick, razor-sharp canine teeth. This, in turn, deters its enemies.
- Hippopotamuses spend most of their day in water.
- A hippo is the third biggest animal on land. It is slightly smaller, but heavier, than a white rhinoceros.
- The tusk-like incisors and canines of a hippo grow continuously, throughout its life.
- The tusks of a hippopotamus are even more valuable that that of an elephant, since they do not turn yellow with time.
- There are five subspecies of hippos, namely H. a. amphibius, H. a. kiboko, H. a. capensis, H. a. tschadensis and H. a. constrictus.
- Hippopotamuses are territorial in water, where each male hippo controls a small stretch of the river.
