Which Animal Has 3 Hearts? Check Here List of Animals with More than One Heart

Some animals evolved with multiple hearts to meet unique survival demands. The octopus has three hearts, while creatures like squids, earthworms, and hagfish use additional circulatory structures for efficient oxygen delivery and blood flow. These specialized systems reveal how nature adapts to environmental and physiological challenges across species.

Apr 8, 2025, 17:03 IST
Which Animal Has 3 Hearts?
Which Animal Has 3 Hearts?

Nature's ingenuity is evident in the fascinating adaptations of animals, including the presence of multiple hearts. While most creatures rely on a single heart, some have evolved additional hearts to meet unique physiological needs.

Among these, the octopus stands out as an animal with three hearts. Below is a detailed exploration of animals with multiple hearts.

Octopus: The Three-Hearted Animal

The octopus, a cephalopod, has three hearts. Two branchial hearts pump blood through the gills for oxygenation, while the systemic heart circulates oxygenated blood throughout the body. This arrangement ensures efficient oxygen delivery, especially since octopus blood is copper-rich and viscous, requiring significant pressure to circulate effectively.

Also Read | History of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK)

Other Animals with Multiple Hearts

Here’s a list of animals that possess more than one heart:

Animal

Number of Hearts

Function

Octopus

3

Two branchial hearts for gill oxygenation; one systemic heart for circulation.

Squid

3

Similar to octopus: two branchial hearts for gills and one systemic heart.

Cuttlefish

3

Two branchial hearts for gills; one systemic heart for body-wide circulation.

Hagfish

4

One main systemic heart; three auxiliary hearts aiding circulation.

Earthworm

5 (aortic arches)

Aortic arches act as pumping organs to circulate blood throughout the segmented body.

Cockroach

Multiple

Distributed along its body; primary heart located in the head region.

Horseshoe Crab

1 + cardiac sinuses

One main heart and five pairs of cardiac sinuses circulate hemolymph.

Leeches

Multiple pairs

Paired hearts pump blood during feeding through their circulatory system.

Why Do These Animals Have Multiple Hearts?

The evolution of multiple hearts allows these animals to adapt to specific environmental challenges:

  • Efficient Oxygenation: Cephalopods like octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish require specialized systems to oxygenate their dense, copper-rich blood.
  • Segmented Circulation: Earthworms and cockroaches use distributed circulatory systems to maintain blood flow across their elongated bodies.
  • Survival in Harsh Conditions: Hagfish and horseshoe crabs rely on auxiliary circulatory mechanisms to survive in low-oxygen environments.

These remarkable adaptations highlight nature's creativity in solving physiological challenges. Whether it's the three-hearted octopus or the multi-hearted hagfish, these creatures demonstrate how evolution tailors biology to suit survival needs.

Kirti Sharma
Kirti Sharma

Content Writer

Kirti Sharma is a content writing professional with 3 years of experience in the EdTech Industry and Digital Content. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and worked with companies like ThoughtPartners Global, Infinite Group, and MIM-Essay. She writes for the General Knowledge and Current Affairs section of JagranJosh.com.

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