These amazing sea creatures are part of the cephalopod family, which also includes squids and cuttlefish.
Their body structure and how their blood moves are different from most animals, and that’s why they developed three hearts.
The Three-Heart System Explained
Two branchial hearts: These hearts are near each gill and help push blood that doesn’t have much oxygen to the gills.
There, the blood picks up oxygen.
One systemic heart: This heart is in the middle of the body and sends the oxygen-rich blood from the gills to the rest of the octopus.
This system makes sure oxygen flows continuously and efficiently, which is really important for octopuses because they are active and need a lot of energy.
Why Three Hearts Are Necessary
Hemocyanin-based blood: Instead of using hemoglobin like humans do, octopuses use hemocyanin, a molecule that contains copper.
This makes their blood less effective at carrying oxygen, especially when it’s warm. To make up for this, they need a stronger circulatory system.
Closed circulatory system: Octopuses are the only mollusks that have a closed circulatory system, meaning their blood flows through tubes, not freely in their body.
This system needs more force to keep the blood moving properly.
Swimming shuts down the systemic heart: When an octopus swims, its central heart stops beating for a while.
This makes swimming use up a lot of energy, which is why they often prefer crawling along the ocean floor instead.
More Cool Octopus Facts
Highly intelligent: Octopuses have big brains and can solve problems, use tools, and even enjoy playing.
Blue blood: Their blood looks blue because it contains copper in the hemocyanin.
Masters of disguise: They can change their color and skin texture to help them hide in their environment, thanks to special cells called chromatophores.
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