# River Roamers (DD-137)

> Hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibius) secrete a red-to-orange fluid sometimes called 'blood sweat'. It's neither: it contains pigments, hipposudoric and norhipposudoric acid, that absorb UV light and may inhibit bacteria. Hippos spend the day in water but can't actually swim or float well; they walk or bounce along the bottom and can stay submerged for around five minutes. On land they can run in short bursts at about 30 km/h. They are among the most dangerous large animals in Africa. The footage shows hippos in rivers and on land, with the presenter.

- Department: Nature
- First published: 2023-12-23
- Last updated: 2023-12-23
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/river-roamers/
- Original Reel title: River Roamers 🦛
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-137-F01**: Hippos secrete a red fluid called 'blood sweat'. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Red secretion))_
- **DD-137-F02**: Its pigments absorb UV light. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Sunscreen))_

## Write-up

Hippos make their own sunscreen. Their red 'blood sweat' is neither blood nor sweat.

1. **Red secretion**: Hippos secrete a red fluid called 'blood sweat'.
2. **Sunscreen**: Its pigments absorb UV light.
3. **Not swimmers**: Hippos walk or bounce along the bottom.
4. **Holding breath**: They can stay submerged about five minutes.
5. **Fast on land**: They can run about 30 km/h in bursts.

## Related case files

- [Tigers (DD-112)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/tigers/): I paired it with another powerful animal
- [Rhinos (DD-142)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/rhinos/): I paired it with another heavyweight of the African plains

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: 'Excellent swimmers': hippos can't really swim or float; they move by walking or bouncing along the bottom.

## Video: River Roamers: Hippos Make Their Own Sunscreen

- Duration: 30.4 s · Published: 2023-12-23
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C1MwLeoOHRC.mp4

### Transcript

Hippos secrete a reddish oily substance often referred to as blood sweat, although it's neither blood nor sweat. DID YOU KNOW? This secretion acts as a moisturizer and sunblock, helping to keep the skin hydrated and protected from the harsh rays. Hippos are deceptively agile in water, despite their large size. They are known to be excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for several minutes. Despite their hefty appearance, hippos can move surprisingly fast, both in the water and on land, making them one of the most formidable and unpredictable animals in their habitats. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What is hippo 'blood sweat'?**  
A: Neither blood nor sweat. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Red secretion) · Wikipedia: Hippopotamus)_

**Q: What does it help with?**  
A: A natural sunscreen. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Sunscreen) · Wikipedia: Hippopotamus)_

**Q: How do hippos move underwater?**  
A: They can't really swim. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Not swimmers) · Wikipedia: Hippopotamus)_

**Q: How long can they stay under?**  
A: Then surface to breathe. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Holding breath) · Wikipedia: Hippopotamus)_

**Q: How fast can they run on land?**  
A: In short bursts. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Fast on land) · Wikipedia: Hippopotamus)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Hippopotamus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippopotamus)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "River Roamers." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-137, last updated Dec 23, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/river-roamers/