Even the breathing of these creatures is quite different from other animals. So how do sea spiders breathe?

How do they do this?

First, let’s get to know these animals briefly.

It is possible to encounter sea spiders all over the world, in the seas or shallow waters. Like many spider species, they have modular bodies and protective exoskeletons made of chitin.

However, unlike other spider species, they have 8 legs. Some of these creatures are very small and their leg span is only 1 centimeter. The largest sea spider species are in the North and South Poles and their leg spans are on average 70 centimeters.

Sea spiders’ bodies are quite small compared to their multi-jointed, long, spindly legs that contain many of their vital organs.

Also surprisingly, the digestive systems and sexual organs of these creatures are inside their legs. The hearts of these creatures are so weak that they rely on their digestive systems for blood circulation.

One of the most surprising facts about these creatures is that males, not females, carry the babies until they are born.

So how do sea spiders breathe?

As we all know, many sea creatures breathe either with their gills or with their lungs. But sea spiders have neither gills nor lungs.

According to a study conducted in 2018, researchers are investigating how sea spiders carry oxygen in their bodies by examining several species of Giant Antarctic sea spiders.

Research reveals that sea spiders get oxygen into their bodies through hundreds of tiny pores in their cuticles, their tough outer skin that provides structure and protection.

In addition, giant sea spiders in Antarctica were placed in breathing chambers, how much oxygen they absorbed was measured, and it was seen that they received enough oxygen to run their entire bodies through the small holes in their legs.

In summary, sea spiders do not breathe through their lungs or gills like other sea creatures. They carry out this process through the pores on their legs and continue their lives.