>>85726156A hippopotamus, or hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the heaviest land animals, with adults weighing between 1.5 and 3 tons (3,000 to 6,000 pounds). Hippos have massive barrel-shaped bodies, short legs, and a wide mouth filled with large, powerful tusk-like canines, which they use for defense.
Their skin is thick, almost hairless, and usually grayish or brown, secreting a natural sunscreen-like substance that helps protect them from the sun and keeps their skin moist. Hippos spend much of their time submerged in water, as they need to stay cool. They can hold their breath for about five minutes underwater, and their eyes, ears, and nostrils are located high on their heads so they can stay mostly submerged while still breathing and observing their surroundings.
Despite their stocky appearance, hippos can be incredibly fast on land, reaching speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph) for short distances. They are known for being aggressive and territorial, particularly in water, where they spend the majority of their time.
Hippos graze on grasses at night, and though they are primarily herbivorous, they have been observed eating meat on rare occasions.
