The t-rex was an apex predator from millions of years ago, preying on whatever dinosaur they came across. Hippos are known as the most aggressive animal in Africa but would they be able to defeat a t-rex? T-rex vs hippo, who would win in a fight?
T-rex vs Hippo Fact Sheet
| T-rex | Hippo | |
| Size | weight 9000 kg length 12 m height 4 m at the hip | weight 1500 – 2000 kg length 3 – 5 m height 1.3 – 1.7 m at the shoulder |
| Speed | 17 mph | 19 mph on land 5 mph in the water |
| Attack | bite force 8000 psi | bite force 1800 psi |
| Defence | size | thick skin |
| Special Abilities | binocular vision | perfectly adapted for life in the water |
| Habitat | North America 66 – 90 million years ago | South Africa rivers, swamps and lakes |
| Diet | carnivore | omnivore |
| Lifespan | 28 years | 40 -50 years |
| Predators | unknown | crocodiles lions and spotted hyenas |
T-rex vs Hippo Size
A hippo is the third largest land animal in Africa, with an adult bull hippo weighing 1500 – 2000 kg (3300 – 4400 lb), body length of 3 – 5 m (10 – 16 ft), a shoulder height of 1.3 – 1.7 m (4 – 5.5 ft). The hippo may be the third largest land animal alive today, but the t-rex is significantly bigger. A t-rex can weigh up to 9000 kg (19,800 lb), be as long as 12 m (39 ft) and be 4 m (13 ft) at the hip.
The t-rex beats the hippo on size.
T-rex vs Hippo Speed
The hippo can run at a speed of up to 19 mph (30 kph). Even though they are semi-aquatic, they can’t swim. In deep water, they walk along the bottom and to resurface, they use their legs to kick themselves off the bottom. They are slower in the water than on land at only 5 mph (8 kph) swimming speed.
The t-rex runs slower than the hippo, with a max speed of 17 mph (27 kph). Scientists believe if they ran faster, their leg bones would snap under their colossal weight.
The hippo beats the t-rex on speed.
T-rex vs Hippo Attack
The t-rex was the top predator of its time. With a bite force of 8000 psi, its jaws could deliver a bite strong enough to shatter bones. Its teeth were serrated, and 30 cm (12 in) long, it had no problem dispatching its prey.
The hippo has a powerful bite force of 1800 psi. The hippo has enlarged incisors that can be 40 cm (15.5 in) long with even bigger canines of 50 cm (19.5 in). These teeth are incredibly sharp from years of rubbing together. The hippo is the only animal in the world able to open its jaws to nearly 180 degrees. The hippo is one deadly animal. It is estimated they kill 500 people a year in Africa.
The t-rex wins because of its stronger bite force.
T-rex vs Hippo Defence
A hippo’s skin is 5 cm (2 in) thick. Their skin helps protect them from rival males when fighting over females and attacks from predators. A t-rex can use its size and height to scare off smaller predators, plus its large sharp teeth.
The t-rex has the better defence.
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T-rex vs Hippo Special Abilities
The hippo spends most of their time in the water, even though they can’t swim or float. Instead, walk through the water and use breathing to float or sink. A hippo can hold its breath for five minutes underwater. The t-rex has binocular vision, which allows it to judge distance and depth in its environment when hunting prey.
The t-rex wins the special abilities round as its binocular vision would help in its fight against the hippo.
T-rex vs Hippo What Are The Differences
The differences between the two animals can play a significant role in which animal wins the fight. The biggest difference between the t-rex and hippo is that a t-rex is an extinct dinosaur from 66 million years ago. The t-rex is a carnivore, whereas the hippo is an omnivore. The t-rex is nearly four times the size of the hippo. The hippo is a semi-aquatic animal, and the t-rex most probably could not swim.
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T-rex vs Hippo Who Would Win In A Fight?
The t-rex would defeat the hippo in a fight. The t-rex has a height advantage over the hippo and a more powerful bite. One bite from the t-rex’s colossal mouth would be all the t-rex would need to finish the hippo.
Even though the t-rex has smaller teeth than the hippo, it can deliver a superior bite force. The hippos’ only defence against the t-rex would be to retreat to deep water and wait for the t-rex to give up in the fight.
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