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This is just an informed guess but i would say they don't actually breath as such they just have the ability to slow their metabolism way down so they don't have the need to breath for extended periods of time, a bit like bears and their fat. As i said that's just my theory but i would be happy to be proved wrong so i can know the correct answer ;p

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Can turtles breath underwater?

A turtle needs air to breathe. Some turtles can slow their metabolism, allowing them to sleep underwater, but it must come up to the surface of the water in order to breathe. It can hold it's breath and stay underwater awhile, but it must surface to breathe or it will drown. Turtles cannot breathe underwater because they do not have gills, like fish - they have lungs, much like human lungs. Some aquatic turtles such as the red-eared slider can hold their breath for 3-4 hours, which might make you think that they are breathing underwater, but they really are not.


How do freshwater turtles breath under water and what is the effect of the ammonia and nitrates from the fish wastes on them?

Freshwater turtles have specialized membranes in their cloaca that allow them to extract oxygen from water while they remain submerged. High levels of ammonia and nitrates from fish waste can pollute the water, leading to poor water quality. This can cause respiratory issues, stress, and other health problems for freshwater turtles.


Do marine reptiles breath underwater?

No. All reptiles, both on land and in water, must breath air. Marine reptiles can hold their breath from a considerable time, but must surface to breathe once in a while.


Tortoise can stay in the water sometimeHow does tortoise do that?

Tortoises can hold their breath underwater for extended periods of time by slowing down their metabolism and conserving oxygen. They can absorb some oxygen through their skin and cloaca while submerged, which helps them stay underwater for longer periods. Additionally, tortoises are able to store oxygen in their body tissues, allowing them to survive underwater for extended periods.


How long can a possum hold his breath for?

Possums do not normally hold their breath, nor submerge themselves underwater. A possum can go approximately 3 minutes without air.

Related Questions

Can turtles breath underwater?

A turtle needs air to breathe. Some turtles can slow their metabolism, allowing them to sleep underwater, but it must come up to the surface of the water in order to breathe. It can hold it's breath and stay underwater awhile, but it must surface to breathe or it will drown. Turtles cannot breathe underwater because they do not have gills, like fish - they have lungs, much like human lungs. Some aquatic turtles such as the red-eared slider can hold their breath for 3-4 hours, which might make you think that they are breathing underwater, but they really are not.


How long can honu turtles hold their breath underwater?

Green sea turtles, also known as honu turtles, can hold their breath for around 4-7 hours while resting or sleeping underwater. However, they typically stay submerged for 4-5 minutes while actively foraging or swimming. The ability to hold their breath for extended periods allows them to dive to depths of up to 1,500 feet (450 meters).


How long can loggerhead turtles stay underwater while resting and swimming?

As sea turtles are air breathing reptiles, they need to surface to breathe. Sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours, depending upon the level of activity. A resting or sleeping turtle can remain underwater for 4-7 hours.


Do hawksbill turtles sleep at night?

Sea turtles can rest or sleep underwater for several hours at a time but submergence time is much shorter while diving for food or to escape predators. Breath-holding ability is affected by activity and stress.


Can a dolphin breath under water?

Dolphins can't breathe underwater because they are mammals. They go to the surface to breathe and then hold their breath while underwater


How do freshwater turtles breath under water and what is the effect of the ammonia and nitrates from the fish wastes on them?

Freshwater turtles have specialized membranes in their cloaca that allow them to extract oxygen from water while they remain submerged. High levels of ammonia and nitrates from fish waste can pollute the water, leading to poor water quality. This can cause respiratory issues, stress, and other health problems for freshwater turtles.


How long can sea nomads hold their breath while diving underwater?

Sea nomads, also known as the Bajau people, can hold their breath for an average of about 13 minutes while diving underwater.


Do turtles breathe oxygen?

Turtles do indeed breath oxygen. They are able to hold their breath for extended periods while either hiding or search for food under water.


Do marine reptiles breath underwater?

No. All reptiles, both on land and in water, must breath air. Marine reptiles can hold their breath from a considerable time, but must surface to breathe once in a while.


How can mammal breath while they are under water?

They do not breathe underwater. They hold their breath under the water and surface to breathe.


Tortoise can stay in the water sometimeHow does tortoise do that?

Tortoises can hold their breath underwater for extended periods of time by slowing down their metabolism and conserving oxygen. They can absorb some oxygen through their skin and cloaca while submerged, which helps them stay underwater for longer periods. Additionally, tortoises are able to store oxygen in their body tissues, allowing them to survive underwater for extended periods.


How do turtles breath underwater?

Answer=========================================================Most aquatic turtles can pull oxygen out of the water, greatly increasing the amount of time they can stay under water. Big sea turtles can stay under for up to 2 hours, even sleeping while submerged.