How an Octopus Breathes

Octopus Breathing

In a short but fascinating video from the Monterey Aquarium, aquarist Candace Reid-Rose explained by which mechanism octopuses are able to breathe. As if on cue, the cooperating cephalopod sitting next to her demonstrated the use of its siphon, which takes in water, gathers oxygen and flushes out any remaining waste as well.

How does an octopus breathe? Where are its organs? And what’s this about a siphon? Find out from intrepid cephalopod aquarist Candace about the general body plan of a giant Pacific octopus and what provides the cephalopower to all that inkredible octopus behavior.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.