Common Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Adult common hippopotamuses spend most daylight hours in rivers, lakes, and muddy pools, emerging at night to graze on grasses. Despite their plant-based diet, they are highly territorial in water and defend space with charges, jaw displays, and powerful bites. Their thick skin helps resist injury but must stay moist to avoid cracking in the sun. A large adult can open its mouth extremely wide, exposing huge canine teeth used mainly in combat with rivals.
- Type
- Water / Brute
- Conservation status
- VU
Growth chain
- ?
- Common Hippopotamus