Hippos are surprisingly fast swimmers despite their large size. They can reach speeds of up to 8 kilometers per hour (5 miles per hour) in water. This speed allows them to move quickly through rivers and lakes, which is essential for escaping predators or chasing rivals. Hippos are also known to be excellent divers and can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes underwater. Their ability to swim efficiently is due to their powerful legs and webbed feet, which help them propel through the water with ease.
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