The Amazing Octopus: The Sea Creature with Three Hearts

Three Hearts, One Purpose

The octopus has not one, not two, but three hearts. Two of these hearts, called branchial hearts, are responsible for pumping blood through the gills, where it picks up oxygen from the water. The third heart, known as the systemic heart, pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body, keeping all the organs alive and well.

When Swimming Gets Tiring

Here’s where it gets really interesting. When an octopus swims, the systemic heart actually stops beating. That means the oxygenated blood isn’t pumped around the body as efficiently during swimming. This is why octopuses prefer to crawl along the ocean floor instead of swimming long distances—it’s less tiring for them!

Why Three Hearts?

The three-heart system is a clever adaptation to life underwater. Octopuses have blue blood, thanks to a copper-rich molecule called hemocyanin that carries oxygen (instead of the iron-rich hemoglobin in humans). Hemocyanin works better in cold, low-oxygen environments but is less efficient than hemoglobin. So, having multiple hearts helps ensure the octopus’s body gets enough oxygen to function.

More Than Just Hearts

Beyond their hearts, octopuses are incredibly intelligent. They can solve puzzles, use tools, and even escape from locked tanks. Combine their smarts with their unique anatomy, and it’s clear why scientists and ocean lovers alike are fascinated by these mysterious creatures.

Next time you think about hearts, remember the octopus and its three beating wonders beneath the waves!