Hippo vs. Rhino

Hippos and rhinos are two huge African mammals that are really quite distinct in appearance and behavior.

A hippo (short for hippopotamus) is a large, mainly aquatic, African mammal. It has thick skin, a large head and mouth, and short legs. An adult hippo can reach a weight of 7,000 pounds. Hippos generally spend the day submerged in water, with their ears and nostrils protruding above water. At night, they come onto land to feed on grasses. They are known to be quite aggressive toward humans.

A rhino (short for rhinoceros) is a large mammal with thick skin, short legs, and one or two horns protruding from its snout. The horn is made of keratin, a hair-like protein. Five different species of rhinos are native to Africa and Asia. They are herbivores that are one of the largest mammals on Earth. Rhinos have been hunted to near extinction by poachers seeking their horns.

Hippos have four toes on each foot whereas rhinos have only three. Rhinos are larger and heavier than hippos.