Hippopotamus vs Saltwater Crocodile
Quick answer
It is too close to call. The Hippopotamus and the Saltwater Crocodile 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
Vulnerable
Reptile
Least ConcernHippopotamus vs Saltwater Crocodile compared
| Attribute | Hippopotamus | Saltwater Crocodile |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.5 t | 1 t |
| Length | 4 m | 5.5 m |
| Top speed | 30 km/h | 29 km/h |
| Strength | 88/100 | 88/100 |
| Deadliness | 90/100 | 93/100 |
| Intelligence | 50/100 | 50/100 |
| Lifespan | 45 yr | 70 yr |
Hippopotamus vs Saltwater Crocodile: common questions
Who would win in a fight, a Hippopotamus or a Saltwater Crocodile?
It is too close to call. The Hippopotamus and the Saltwater Crocodile are evenly matched on paper, and in the wild the outcome would come down to size, surprise, and circumstance.
Which is bigger, the Hippopotamus or the Saltwater Crocodile?
The Hippopotamus is heavier, weighing around 1,500 kg compared with the other's 1,000 kg.
Which is faster, the Hippopotamus or the Saltwater Crocodile?
The Hippopotamus is faster, reaching about 30 km/h versus 29 km/h.
Which lives longer, the Hippopotamus or the Saltwater Crocodile?
The Saltwater Crocodile typically lives longer, up to around 70 years compared with 45 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:
- Hippopotamus — full guide
IUCN Red List (Vulnerable, Hippopotamus amphibius)
- Saltwater Crocodile — full guide
IUCN Red List (Least Concern, Crocodylus porosus)
-
Animal Diversity Web — University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Life-history, morphology, and measurement data for Hippopotamus and Saltwater Crocodile.
-
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.
-
Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, and review wildlife comparisons.
Embed this matchup
Drop this iframe on your site — free for non-commercial use with the visible attribution link intact.