If you saw the amazing documentary on Netflix called My Octopus Teacher then you already know how smart and fascinating octopuses are. I’d say it’s one of the best documentaries I’ve watched recently. Thanks to my sister’s boyfriend for suggesting it. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend it. You won’t regret it! I promise. You might need a tissue in some parts or maybe that’s just me, I’m a soft touch. 😁

My daughter loves sea creatures especially octopuses. So I got more curious about them and was so surprised to find out that they have not one, not two BUT three hearts! 😲 Yes, three hearts! “I was like, ‘wow, that’s insane!'” I told my daughter about it and she started wondering why humans only have one. I already know what she’s thinking and I don’t even want to imagine it! 🤣 Kids and their vivid imaginations. It’s really amazing.

So, let’s get to the subject and discover more about this mind-blowing fact about octopuses. 🤯

Octopuses have two of their three hearts, known as branchial hearts, which are responsible for pumping oxygen-depleted blood to the gills. This blood picks up oxygen from the surrounding water. Unlike our single human heart, octopuses rely on these specialized hearts to efficiently oxygenate their blood.

The third heart is called the systemic heart, and it pumps the oxygen-rich blood from the gills to the rest of the octopus’s body. This heart ensures that the oxygenated blood is distributed throughout the organism.

This three-heart system allows octopuses to be highly efficient at extracting oxygen from water, which is crucial for their underwater lifestyle. It ensures that they have a constant supply of oxygen for their active, agile, and often predatory behavior. This efficient oxygenation is a key factor that keeps octopuses at the top of their game in the underwater world.

Octopuses have the remarkable ability to control the blood flow to different parts of their body, a skill that proves vital for various tasks like hunting, escaping from predators, or even disguising themselves through color and texture changes. This level of control is made possible by their decentralized nervous system, which enables them to swiftly adapt to different situations.

Interestingly, octopuses’ hearts can be affected by environmental factors such as temperature. Changes in temperature can impact their heart rate. When their environment is warmer, they become more active, and their metabolism increases, requiring their hearts to work harder. This dynamic adaptation highlights the sensitivity of octopuses to their surroundings.

Octopuses and their three hearts are an incredible example of nature’s adaptability. Their unique circulatory system helps them thrive in the diverse underwater world, and it’s a reminder of the wonders that can be found beneath the waves. So, the next time you watch a video of an octopus changing colors, solving puzzles, or simply drifting through the sea, remember the silent symphony of their circulation. Such cool creatures! 😍🐙