Pygmy Hippo vs Pygmy Hippopotamus
How does the Pygmy Hippo 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
- Choeropsis liberiensis
- Choeropsis liberiensis
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Hippopotamidae
- Hippopotamidae
- Habitat
- Swampy forests and wetlands
- Lowland forests and swamps
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Herbivore
- Conservation status
- Endangered
- Endangered
- Lifespan
- 30–35 years (in captivity), 20–25 years (in the wild)
- 30-35 years in captivity, 20-30 years in the wild
- Weight
- 180–275 kg
- 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs)
Pygmy Hippo vs Pygmy Hippopotamus: who would win?

Pygmy Hippo
180–275 kg

Pygmy Hippopotamus
180–275 kg (400–600 lbs)
Too close to call speculative confidence
Pygmy Hippo and Pygmy Hippopotamus are closely matched on both size (180–275 kg vs 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs)) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. 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.
- Both are listed as Endangered.
Differences
- Habitat: Swampy forests and wetlands vs Lowland forests and swamps.
- Weight: 180–275 kg vs 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs).
Pygmy Hippo vs Pygmy Hippopotamus: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Pygmy Hippo or a Pygmy Hippopotamus?
Too close to call. Pygmy Hippo and Pygmy Hippopotamus are closely matched on both size (180–275 kg vs 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs)) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. 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 Pygmy Hippo and a Pygmy Hippopotamus?
Pygmy Hippo and Pygmy Hippopotamus differ in several ways — habitat: swampy forests and wetlands vs lowland forests and swamps. weight: 180–275 kg vs 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs).
Do Pygmy Hippo and Pygmy Hippopotamus live in the same habitat?
No — Pygmy Hippo lives in swampy forests and wetlands, while Pygmy Hippopotamus is found in lowland forests and swamps.
What do Pygmy Hippo and Pygmy Hippopotamus eat?
Both Pygmy Hippo and Pygmy Hippopotamus have a herbivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Pygmy Hippo or the Pygmy Hippopotamus?
Pygmy Hippo is listed as Endangered, while Pygmy Hippopotamus is listed as Endangered.
How big are Pygmy Hippo and Pygmy Hippopotamus?
Pygmy Hippo weighs around 180–275 kg, while Pygmy Hippopotamus weighs around 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs).

Full profile
Pygmy Hippo

Full profile
Pygmy Hippopotamus


