Great white shark VS Hippopotamus?

Question

I know they don't share habitat, but assuming they met in somewhat shallow water, but not too shallow to where the shark can't swim, and not too deep to where the hippo is uncomfortable. Who would win, a great white shark (average 4,000,5000 lbs) or a hippopotamus (average 6,000-8,000 lbs)

Would the hippos skin be too thick for the shark?

Would the shark be too quick for the hippo?

Could the sharks body withstand a chomp from the huge tusks of the hippo?

Answer 1

I think it would be a tie. The shark would probably get the first hit. Its bite would only take a chunk out of the hippo, and it wouldn't die right a way. The hippo would defend with its mouth and grab the shark and crush it. Sharks also need to swim to breath, so it may suffocate. Both would die?

I know crocodiles won't attack a hippo.

Answer 2

Lots of questions here...

Would the hippos skin be too thick for the shark?

no.

Would the shark be too quick for the hippo?

probably

Could the sharks body withstand a chomp from the huge tusks of the hippo? no.

Generally speaking since they are both in (salt?) water the shark will have the movement and speed advantage. It would then have the initiative to decide when and from where a first strike would occur. Sharks usually make the most out of these first strike opportunities. I honestly believe that even the hippos thick skin would not be able to effectively protect it from the size and bite force of a Great White Shark bite. The poor hippo would never know what hit it and be unable to effectively counter the shark before it went into shock and bled to death.

I'd put my money on the shark.

Answer 3

I think this would be a rather one-sided contest.  The shark would make short work of the hippopotamus, probably eviscerating it in 30 seconds or less.