To reproduce, feed, play and court, marine mammals as well as some marine reptiles regularly indulge in apnea. Without gills, they must hold their breath with each dive into ocean depths. Some even set records in terms of depth, duration, or distance. These creatures are true champions of apnea.
A body adapted to apnea
Unlike fish, marine mammals do not have gills. Their bodies are designed to live in water, but their respiratory systems function with lungs, just like terrestrial mammals. Therefore, holding their breath, like freedivers, is their only option to explore the depths. Among them, the sperm whale, dolphins, and humpback whales stand out for their exceptional abilities. However, marine mammals are not the only ones mastering apnea; reptiles such as sea turtles and sea snakes also display impressive skills. Whether it’s deep, static, or dynamic apnea, these animals set records in all these disciplines.
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