Turtles are one of the most unique, calm, and interesting animals on this planet. They are loaded with amazing and hidden facts about which only a few people are aware. There are a lot of questions and myths related to turtles like do turtles have gills, how do turtles live in frozen water, do turtles breathe through their buttholes? and many more.
So, through this post, we will answer all your questions and will make you familiar with some unknown facts which will give you a new perception about turtles’ traits and powers. So, without any further delay let’s dive in!
Do Turtles Breathe Through Their Buttholes?
The mind-blowing answer to this question is yes there are a few species of turtle that can actually breathe from their buttholes. The scientific name for their butt is cloaca and the intake of oxygen through the cloaca is known as Cloacal respiration.
Turtles use this way of respiration only when they are underwater for hibernation and need to save energy. They are not alone in this list because other animals like frogs and sea snakes also use the same or similar ways to breathe.
So, turtles are cold-blooded species and their body temperature has a dependent relationship with the outer temperature. These animals do not have fragile or flexible rib cage like humans and are completely attached to the shells which demand a higher amount of energy to get the muscle power for expanding the lungs for inhaling and then contracting it for exhaling the air.
When turtles are stuck under frozen water, during that time they intake water through the cloaca which they also use for laying eggs, pooping, and peeing. In a lot of turtles, the cloaca tissue absorbs oxygen from the water and helps in respiration by using a minimal amount of energy.
How Does a Turtle Breathe?
The process of respiration varies as per the need of the situation but there are three possible ways for a turtle to breathe and survive in any condition. So, let’s read about them below:
- Lungs: When a turtle is on land, it only prefers its lungs to inhale and exhale as this is the most comfortable option for them. This way gives the highest amount of oxygen to a turtle.
- Mouth: When a turtle is underwater, they choose to breathe by using their mouth and throat as they can extract oxygen from water and use the same. They do not use it often but still works as a savior for them in many situations under the water.
- Cloaca: When a turtle is stuck under frozen water, they do the respiration process through their cloaca opening. They mainly use this way when they are in hibernation and want a higher amount of oxygen by using minimal energy.
Which Turtle Uses Cloacal Respiration?
Every turtle has different and their own ways to survive in delicate situations. Below are a few examples that perform cloacal respiration in the most appropriate way:
- White-Eyed Stream-Diver Turtle: It can absorb 68% of oxygen from Cloacal respiration.
- Australian White-Throated Snapping Turtle: It can absorb 80% of oxygen from Cloacal respiration.
- Fitzroy River Turtle: It can absorb 70% of oxygen from Cloacal respiration.
Conclusion
Yes, you read it right, there are many turtles that do cloacal respiration underwater or can be said to breathe through their butts. There are two major reasons behind it. Firstly, is to safeguard themselves underwater from enemies and secondly is to get oxygen during hibernation time.
Although the amount of extracted oxygen from this process depends on the activeness and actions of the turtle. I hope you found this article informative and if you still want to know anything else or have any queries then do let us know in the comment section below. Thank you!
FAQs
1. In which turtle can I see cloacal respiration?
Turtles like Australian White-Throated Snapping and Fitzroy River are the best representatives to showcase cloacal respiration.
2. Do Turtles Breathe Through Their Buttholes?
Yes, it’s true that turtles breathe through their buttholes and the biological name for their particular body part is cloacal. Turtles lay eggs, poop, and pee from there only.
