Common Hippopotamus vs Pygmy Hippopotamus
How does the Common Hippopotamus compare to the Pygmy Hippopotamus? They are both members of the Hippopotamidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.
Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Hippopotamus amphibius
- Choeropsis liberiensis
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Hippopotamidae
- Hippopotamidae
- Habitat
- Rivers, lakes, and swamps in sub-Saharan Africa
- Lowland forests and swamps
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Herbivore
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Endangered
- Lifespan
- 40-50 years
- 30-35 years in captivity, 20-30 years in the wild
- Weight
- 1,400–4,500 kg
- 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs)
Common Hippopotamus vs Pygmy Hippopotamus: who would win?
Common Hippopotamus
1,400–4,500 kg
Pygmy Hippopotamus
180–275 kg (400–600 lbs)
Common Hippopotamus wins high confidence
Common Hippopotamus is substantially heavier (1,400–4,500 kg vs 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs)). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are mammals.
- Both belong to the Hippopotamidae family.
- Both have a herbivore diet.
Differences
- Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and swamps in sub-Saharan Africa vs Lowland forests and swamps.
- Conservation: Vulnerable vs Endangered.
- Weight: 1,400–4,500 kg vs 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs).
Common Hippopotamus vs Pygmy Hippopotamus: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Common Hippopotamus or a Pygmy Hippopotamus?
Common Hippopotamus wins. Common Hippopotamus is substantially heavier (1,400–4,500 kg vs 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs)). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Common Hippopotamus and a Pygmy Hippopotamus?
Common Hippopotamus and Pygmy Hippopotamus differ in several ways — habitat: rivers, lakes, and swamps in sub-saharan africa vs lowland forests and swamps. conservation: vulnerable vs endangered. weight: 1,400–4,500 kg vs 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs).
Do Common Hippopotamus and Pygmy Hippopotamus live in the same habitat?
No — Common Hippopotamus lives in rivers, lakes, and swamps in sub-saharan africa, while Pygmy Hippopotamus is found in lowland forests and swamps.
What do Common Hippopotamus and Pygmy Hippopotamus eat?
Both Common Hippopotamus and Pygmy Hippopotamus have a herbivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Common Hippopotamus or the Pygmy Hippopotamus?
Common Hippopotamus is listed as Vulnerable, while Pygmy Hippopotamus is listed as Endangered.
How big are Common Hippopotamus and Pygmy Hippopotamus?
Common Hippopotamus weighs around 1,400–4,500 kg, while Pygmy Hippopotamus weighs around 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs).
Full profile
Common Hippopotamus
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Pygmy Hippopotamus
