Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
150 cmAdult male
at the shoulder
at the shoulder
- Mass
- 1 600–4 500 kgSamce · szeroki zakres
Hippopotamus — size comparison
The hippopotamus is a large semiaquatic mammal of sub-Saharan Africa. It inhabits rivers and lakes near grasslands. Its massive body has short legs, with eyes,
Silhouette comparison
Height
Ground barkReference values · details in the profiles
HeightScale in m
00,511,5
150 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Hippopotamus — size comparison — facts and sources
The hippopotamus is a large semiaquatic mammal of sub-Saharan Africa. It inhabits rivers and lakes near grasslands. Its massive body has short legs, with eyes, ears and nostrils high on the head so it can use its senses while mostly submerged.
It spends much of the day in water, which protects it from heat. It comes onto land mainly to feed, usually after dark. Grasses make up most of its diet.
Hippos gather in water, where adult males defend the space they use. A widely opened mouth displaying large tusks forms part of warning behaviour. The skin secretes a pinkish-red substance containing compounds that protect against sunlight, sometimes giving it a characteristic sheen.
Przyjmujemy orientacyjne 150 cm w barku; San Diego Zoo podaje wysokość do około 160 cm. Szeroki tułów nie oznacza wzrostu słonia. Jego imponująca masa wynika przede wszystkim z masywnej budowy. Hipopotamy są dzikimi, niebezpiecznymi zwierzętami, mimo spokojnego wyglądu.