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Animals that live with more than one heart

ETimes.in | Last updated on - May 4, 2026, 18:40 IST
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Animals that live with more than one heart

Most animals we have seen or encounter in our daily lives rely on a single heart that helps keep their blood flowing; interestingly, nature often embraces complexity to ensure survival in extreme conditions. Here are some of the most fascinating creatures on our planet that have been born with multiple hearts and utilize these specialized anatomical designs to meet their metabolic demands or to help their bodies survive in poor oxygen environments. Here are some of these interesting animals; read on to know more about them…

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The Earthworm


Earthworms have a system of five pairs of hearts, which are really called aortic arches. These are like tubes that wrap around the worm's stomach and help move blood and control pressure inside the worm's body, which is made up of sections. This helps the worm thrive in the soil.

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The Hagfish


The hagfish lives in the mud at the bottom of the ocean where there is not much oxygen. It has a heart system with four hearts, including one main heart and three helper hearts. These hearts help the hagfish move blood around its body, which's very important for its survival in a place with very little oxygen.

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The Octopus


The octopus is probably the best-known animal with multiple hearts; it has a total of three hearts that help it live a very active life. Two of the hearts are used to pump blood through the gills so the octopus can breathe. The third heart sends this blood to the rest of its body.

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The Cuttlefish

The cuttlefish is another animal with three hearts, like the octopus and the squid. Two of its hearts pump blood through the gills. The third heart sends blood to the rest of its body. This helps the cuttlefish move quickly. Be very smart.

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The Squid

Squids are similar to octopuses. They also have three hearts. This helps them swim fast and catch their food in the deep ocean. The three hearts make sure the squids muscles get the oxygen they need to work

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The Horseshoe Crab

The horseshoe crab is an old animal that has a special heart system with one main heart and several helper hearts called pericardial sinuses. These helper hearts move a blue blood called hemolymph to all parts of the crab's hard shell, which is very important for its survival.

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Copyright © May 9, 2026, 03.42AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service