An octopus can hold its breath for about 20 to 30 minutes. This ability allows them to stay underwater for extended periods without needing to surface for air. Unlike mammals, octopuses do not have lungs. Instead, they breathe through gills, which extract oxygen from the water.
When an octopus is out of water, it can still survive for a short time by holding water in its mantle cavity. This stored water helps keep its gills moist, allowing it to continue extracting oxygen. However, this is not a long-term solution, and the octopus will eventually need to return to the water to breathe properly.
It’s important to note that the exact duration an octopus can hold its breath can vary depending on factors such as the species, size, and environmental conditions. Some species may be able to hold their breath longer than others, but generally, the range is between 20 to 30 minutes.