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An octopus resting on a rocky seabed with its arms spread around its body.
Science & Space

Do octopuses really have three hearts?

Published

Verdict
True
Verification confidenceMedium

Explanation

Yes. Octopuses have three hearts, with different roles in moving blood through their bodies.

The Natural History Museum explains that two hearts pump blood through the gills to pick up oxygen, while the third circulates blood around the body. The National Wildlife Federation independently describes the same arrangement.

The useful distinction is how the work is divided: two hearts serve the gills, and one serves the wider body. The number refers to three functioning organs, not three chambers within a single heart.

Key takeaway

An octopus has three hearts with divided responsibilities: two for the gills and one for the rest of the body.

Evidence

The museum describes three hearts and their roles

Natural History Museum

Supports the claim

The museum states that octopuses have three hearts: two pump blood through the gills, and one circulates blood around the body.

Based on: Natural History Museum

An independent wildlife guide confirms the arrangement

National Wildlife Federation

Supports the claim

The wildlife guide identifies three functioning hearts and distinguishes the two serving the gills from the heart serving the rest of the body.

Based on: National Wildlife Federation

Sources

Natural History Museum

Octopuses keep surprising us – here are eight examples how

National Wildlife Federation

Octopus

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