Do Some Animals Have Multiple Hearts?

Mar 28, 2024, 07:08 IST

Pragati Awasthi

The unusual fact that you may not be aware of is that several different animal species in the world have multiple hearts functioning in their bodies.

From the Octopus, living deep underwater to Earthworms, here is the list of animals that have more than one heart.

Octopus

This blue-blood creature has three hearts. Two peripheral hearts, or Gill’s hearts that are used to pump blood through the gills. Besides, there is a central heart to supply blood to the rest of the body.

Earthworm

Like its body, Earthworm has a tubular heart that runs through. Very different from humans, they have several muscular segments called aortic arches or hearts, that help circulate blood throughout the body.

Hagfish

This small underwater creature has five hearts — two hearts are used to pump blood to their gills, while the remaining three have the responsibility of supplying the blood to the rest of the body.

Squid

Like Octopus and Hagfish, Squid also has a unique cardiovascular arrangement, and a set of three hearts — two pump blood to the gills, while the third is responsible for the whole body.

Cuttlefish

Like Octopus and Hagfish, Squid also has a unique cardiovascular arrangement, and a set of three hearts — two pump blood to the gills, while the third is responsible for the whole body.

Leeches

Did you know that these blood-sucking creatures have two hearts? The hearts are located on each side of the body, which pushes blood through their closed circulatory system.

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