No, hippos can’t swim in the way most animals do. Despite spending most of their lives in water, hippos can’t float or do a traditional swimming motion. Instead, they move by walking or bouncing along the river or lake bottom, using their powerful legs to push themselves forward.
So, How Do Hippos Move in Water?
Hippos are incredibly well-adapted to life in the water, but they don’t paddle or float like fish or otters. What they do is:
- Push off the bottom of rivers or lakes
- Use a sort of underwater galloping or hopping motion
- Sink and resurface by controlling their body position and lung volume
They can stay underwater for up to five minutes before surfacing to breathe, without even waking up if they’re sleeping!
Why Can’t Hippos Swim?
There are a few reasons:
- Hippos have dense, heavy bodies that don’t float easily.
- They lack the natural buoyancy needed to stay on the surface.
- Their limbs aren’t shaped for traditional swimming—they’re better for walking on land and underwater.
Instead of swimming, hippos rely on their strength and natural ability to move gracefully underwater, even if it’s not technically swimming.
Do Baby Hippos Swim?
Like adults, baby hippos also can’t swim in the traditional sense. They stick close to their mothers and often rest on their backs or in shallow areas. Young calves can hold their breath for shorter periods, allowing them to stay near the surface more often.
How Fast Are Hippos in Water?
While they don’t swim, hippos can move surprisingly fast underwater—up to 8 km/h (5 mph) by galloping along the bottom. This makes them agile and dangerous even in deep rivers or lakes.
Final Answer: Can Hippos Swim?
Not really. Hippos don’t swim—they walk, bounce, and glide underwater. But they are still perfectly suited to aquatic life, spending most of their time submerged to stay cool and safe from the sun.
Related Questions
- Do hippos float?
No, their bodies are too dense—they sink naturally. - Can hippos drown?
It’s rare, but possible—especially for young or sick animals. - How long can hippos stay underwater?
About 3 to 5 minutes, though they often resurface automatically to breathe.
