

One heart circulates blood around the body, while the other two pump it past the gills, to pick up oxygen. If the blood (called haemolymph in invertebrates) becomes deoxygenated - when the animal dies, for example - it loses its blue colour and turns clear instead.Īn octopus's three hearts have slightly different roles. 4 hours ago &0183 &32 Many posters portrayed the tentacles of an octopus, often with a Star of David, enveloping a globe.

The copper-based protein is more efficient at transporting oxygen molecules in cold and low-oxygen conditions, so is ideal for life in the ocean. Well, the blue blood is because the protein, haemocyanin, which carries oxygen around the octopus's body, contains copper rather than iron like we have in our own haemoglobin. 2 days ago &0183 &32 They fall into a category called 'umbrella octopus' because they have webbing between their tentacles that creates an umbrella-like shape when they float. Finally, why do octopuses have blue blood?Īre you still wondering why octopus blood is blue and what the three hearts do? The researchers say they're not sure what the benefits of living in a densely populated settlement are for these octopuses, but it may just be a case of necessity, with limited den spaces available in the otherwise flat and featureless area. Frequent aggression, chases and even den evictions were observed among the octopuses living at Octlantis. City living has its advantages and drawbacks, as we all know.
