The common hippopotamus (or Hippopotamus amphibius) is a large mammal native to the rivers of Sub-Saharan Africa. They are large, water dwelling animals with long protruding teeth, nostrils on the top of their snout, small ears and thick grey-brown skin. Males are 4 to 5m long and weigh between 1500 and 2000kg, whereas females measure between 3.3 and 4.2m, and weigh 1000 to 1500kg.
Latin Name
Hippopotamus amphibius
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Animal Facts
The hippopotamus' closest living relatives are whales and dolphins.
The skin of the hippopotamus is 6cm thick and secretes a red substance that acts as sunscreen.
Hippos can open their mouths to 150ยบ, this is called a 'hippo yawn' and is usually an aggression display.
Hippos have very large teeth; their canines can be 50cm long.
Hippos spend daylight hours in the water keeping cool and come out of the water at night to graze. They may travel up to 5km, and defecate on leaving so they can smell their way back to the water.