No, hippos cannot breathe underwater—but they are specially adapted to spend long periods submerged. Like all mammals, hippos need air to survive. They don’t have gills, so they can’t extract oxygen from water. Instead, they hold their breath and resurface regularly to breathe through their nostrils.
What makes hippos unique is how effortlessly they manage this process, even while sleeping underwater.
How Do Hippos Breathe?
Hippos breathe through nostrils located on the top of their snouts. This clever positioning allows them to breathe without fully surfacing—just a small part of their head needs to break the waterline.
Here’s how it works:
- When submerged, their nostrils automatically close to keep water out.
- When they rise to the surface, the nostrils open up so they can take a quick breath.
- This process is almost instantaneous—they come up, breathe, and sink again, often in just a second or two.
How Long Can a Hippo Stay Underwater?
Adult hippos can typically hold their breath for 3 to 5 minutes, although some reports suggest they can last up to 7 minutes when resting or conserving energy. Baby hippos, on the other hand, need to breathe more often—about every 2 to 3 minutes.
Even when hippos are asleep underwater, their bodies know to come up for air. It’s a reflex—they don’t wake up or think about it. They rise, breathe, and sink back down.
Why Do Hippos Spend So Much Time in Water?
Hippos aren’t aquatic animals like dolphins or fish, but they are semi-aquatic, which means they split their time between water and land. During the day, they stay in rivers and lakes to:
- Keep cool in the African heat
- Protect their skin from the sun
- Avoid predators like lions or hyenas
At night, they come out of the water to graze on grass, sometimes walking several kilometers to find food.
Can Hippos Drown?
Although it’s uncommon, hippos can drown, especially in the following cases:
- Young calves that can’t reach the surface in time
- Sick or injured hippos that are too weak to resurface
- In deep or artificial enclosures where the bottom is too far to push off
But in the wild, healthy adult hippos are extremely good at managing their time underwater.
Final Answer: Can Hippos Breathe Underwater?
No, hippos cannot breathe underwater. They are mammals and must breathe air, just like humans. However, they are perfectly adapted to their watery lifestyle. Thanks to their nose placement, automatic reflexes, and breath-holding abilities, hippos move through rivers and lakes with ease, even while submerged for several minutes.
Related Questions
- Can hippos sleep underwater?
Yes, and they resurface automatically to breathe—without waking up. - Do hippos have gills?
No. Hippos are mammals and breathe air with lungs, not gills. - How often do hippos breathe?
Every 3–5 minutes for adults, 2–3 minutes for young hippos.
