Hippopotamus

The hippopotamus, also called the hippo, common hippopotamus, or river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus. Its name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse". The Hippopotamus has the strongest bite of all land animals at about 1820 PSI. American Alligators have a bite force of about 2125 PSI. The hippopotamus has a bulky body on stumpy legs, an enormous head, a short tail, and four toes on each foot. Each toe has a nail-like hoof. Males are usually 3.5 metres (11.5 feet) long, stand 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall, and weigh 3,200 kg (3.5 tons). What is a group of hippos called? The term 'a bloat of hippopotamuses', coined in 1939, comes from their large, indeed bloated bellies; a male hippo weighs around 8,000lb and is covered in subcutaneous fat that helps him float.

Speed: 19 mph (Galloping)

Mass: 3,300 – 4,000 lbs (Male, Adult), 2,900 – 3,300 lbs (Female, Adult)

Height: 4.3 – 5.4 ft. (Adult, At Shoulder)

Scientific name: Hippopotamus amphibius

Conservation status: Vulnerable (Population decreasing)

Gestation period: 243 days

Lifespan: 40 – 50 years