How the Hearts Function
Interestingly, when an octopus swims, the heart that delivers blood to the body temporarily stops beating, which is why octopuses tend to prefer crawling rather than swimming. Swimming requires more energy and can be exhausting for them. The three hearts work in a coordinated way to ensure that oxygen is efficiently distributed throughout their bodies, supporting their ability to perform complex behaviors, such as camouflage, problem-solving, and hunting. This biological adaptation allows octopuses to be agile and efficient predators in the ocean. Shutdown123