 | Quick Facts |  |
|  | Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Hippopotamidae
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Family Hippopotamidae
Hippopotamus
This family consists of two species, the common hippopotamus and the pygmy hippopotamus. The predominant difference between the two is their size. Both have a rounded body, broad head, and short legs. However, the pygmy hippo will reach a size of about 550 pounds and the larger hippo reaching 8000 pounds. Both species are herbivorous and spend most of their time in the water. They feed at night and often travel several miles from their water source to find enough vegetation to feed themselves. Both are amphibious and are excellent swimmers. They have four toes on each foot and each are equally developed and used to support the animal. They are found in Central Africa near water and grasslands. The pygmy hippo is often found near forests.
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