How fast can a hippo swim, might appear slow and cumbersome on land, but they are surprisingly agile and fast swimmers in the water. These massive creatures are built for aquatic environments and can move swiftly when submerged. On average, a hippo can swim at speeds of around 8 to 10 miles per hour (13 to 16 kilometres per hour).

Despite their bulky appearance, hippos are well adapted to water, with webbed feet and buoyant bodies. They can stay submerged for several minutes and cover impressive distances when swimming. Hippos often use their swimming ability to navigate their habitats, which consist of rivers and bodies of water.

However, while hippos are skilled swimmers, they can also be highly territorial and aggressive. It's crucial to maintain a safe distance and respect their natural behaviors when observing them in their natural habitats.