Unique Circulatory System of Octopuses

Octopuses are fascinating marine animals known for their intelligence and unusual biology. One of their most remarkable features is their three hearts. Two of these hearts are responsible for pumping blood to the gills, where oxygen is absorbed, while the third heart pumps the oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Interestingly, when an octopus swims, the heart that pumps to the body temporarily stops, which is why they prefer crawling over swimming it’s less tiring.

The Mystery of Blue Blood

Another unique trait of octopuses is their blue-colored blood. This is due to a copper-based molecule called hemocyanin, which carries oxygen unlike the iron-based hemoglobin in humans that gives our blood a red color. Hemocyanin is more efficient in cold, low-oxygen environments, making it ideal for octopuses that live in the deep sea. This adaptation helps them survive in extreme underwater habitats, showing how evolution equips creatures in astonishing ways. Shutdown123