Monkeys, like many other primates, vary in their abilities to hold their breath depending on the species and individual physiology. Generally, most monkeys can hold their breath for about 30 seconds to a minute. However, some species, particularly those that are excellent swimmers like the macaques, may hold their breath slightly longer.
The ability to hold one’s breath is largely influenced by factors such as lung capacity, the need to dive for food, and the environment in which they live. Aquatic or semi-aquatic monkeys tend to have adaptations that enable them to stay underwater for longer periods. For example, the proboscis monkey is known to dive into the water to escape predators and can hold its breath for over a minute.
Breath-holding is a natural instinct that comes in handy during specific situations, such as evading danger or searching for food. However, unlike some marine animals, monkeys aren’t specifically adapted for long breath-holding, so their limitations reflect their terrestrial lifestyle.