Tiger vs Hippopotamus
Quick answer
It is too close to call. The Tiger and the Hippopotamus are evenly matched on paper, and in the wild the outcome would come down to size, surprise, and circumstance.
This is a hypothetical, educational comparison based on typical size, strength, and natural weaponry. In the wild these animals rarely meet, and most encounters end without a fight.
Mammal
Endangered
Mammal
VulnerableTiger vs Hippopotamus compared
| Attribute | Tiger | Hippopotamus |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 300 kg | 1.5 t |
| Length | 3.1 m | 4 m |
| Top speed | 65 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Strength | 88/100 | 88/100 |
| Deadliness | 88/100 | 90/100 |
| Intelligence | 66/100 | 50/100 |
| Lifespan | 15 yr | 45 yr |
Tiger vs Hippopotamus: common questions
Who would win in a fight, a Tiger or a Hippopotamus?
It is too close to call. The Tiger and the Hippopotamus are evenly matched on paper, and in the wild the outcome would come down to size, surprise, and circumstance.
Which is bigger, the Tiger or the Hippopotamus?
The Hippopotamus is heavier, weighing around 1,500 kg compared with the other's 300 kg.
Which is faster, the Tiger or the Hippopotamus?
The Tiger is faster, reaching about 65 km/h versus 30 km/h.
Which lives longer, the Tiger or the Hippopotamus?
The Hippopotamus typically lives longer, up to around 45 years compared with 15 years.
Sources & references
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; size, weight, speed, and lifespan figures are drawn from Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) and Nowak, Walker’s Mammals of the World (Johns Hopkins University Press), cross-checked against each species’ own guide. Compare full profiles for habitat, diet, and behaviour:
- Tiger — full guide
Source-checked detail: Tiger recovery in one country does not remove threats throughout its range. Scope: Global species, with regional differences. WWF — Tiger conservation (2026-09-19).
IUCN Red List (Endangered, Panthera tigris)
- Hippopotamus — full guide
IUCN Red List (Vulnerable, Hippopotamus amphibius)
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Animal Diversity Web — University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Life-history, morphology, and measurement data for Tiger and Hippopotamus.
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Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker’s Mammals of the World (6th ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press.
Standard reference for body size, weight, and life-span ranges.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, and review wildlife comparisons.
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