Octopuses are unique creatures in many ways, one of which is their three hearts. Two of these hearts, called branchial hearts, pump blood to the gills to oxygenate it, while the systemic heart pumps the oxygenated blood throughout the rest of the body. What’s fascinating is that when an octopus swims, its systemic heart stops beating, which is why they prefer crawling along the seafloor rather than swimming for long periods. This adaptation helps octopuses conserve energy while they move, as swimming is an energy-intensive activity for them.

The Blue Blood of Octopuses

Octopuses also have blue blood, a feature that is quite rare in the animal kingdom. Unlike humans, who have iron-based hemoglobin in their blood, octopuses use copper-based hemocyanin for oxygen transport. Hemocyanin is more efficient than hemoglobin in cold, low-oxygen environments, which is why it suits octopuses living in the deep, cold ocean. This blue blood allows them to survive in such extreme conditions, providing them with the necessary oxygen to fuel their remarkable intelligence and adaptability. These unique characteristics make octopuses one of the most extraordinary animals in the ocean. Shutdown123