Where do Turtles Breathe from?

Turtles have the ability to breathe out of their front sides as well as their back sides — yep, turtles can breathe through their bums. Their respiratory muscles expand, drawing in air from the front and back sides of their shells. When their heads are submerged, most turtles have the ability to draw air in through a bursae sac in their hind end, removing the need for the turtle to come up for air.

More Turtle Facts:

• Turtles are the oldest living land vertebrates; their ancestors date back about 200 million years.


• The incredible respiratory system in the turtle allows it to go without oxygen for as many as 33 hours.


• Not all turtles can pull their head all the way back inside their shells. The more populous specie called the cryptodire, folds its neck into an S-shape and can squeeze it all the way inside, but the pleurodires specie can only bend it in half, which leaves part of its neck exposed when retracted.


• Some other creatures that enjoy the ability to breathe through their hind quarters include the sea cucumber and the dragonfly nymph.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do turtles breathe?

Turtles breathe air through their lungs, much like humans do. They have nostrils, called nares, which they use to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. When submerged, turtles hold their breath, but some species can also absorb a small amount of oxygen through their skin or cloaca in a process known as cloacal respiration.

Can turtles breathe underwater?

While turtles cannot breathe underwater in the same way they do on land, some species have adapted to absorb oxygen from the water. This is done through specialized areas such as the throat, cloaca, or skin, allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods. However, they still need to surface for air eventually.

How long can turtles hold their breath?

The duration turtles can hold their breath varies widely among species and is influenced by activity level and water temperature. Some turtles can hold their breath for several hours while resting or sleeping. For instance, the North American snapping turtle can stay submerged for 40-50 minutes during active foraging, according to research published in the Journal of Herpetology.

Do all turtles have the same breathing capabilities?

No, different turtle species have varying breathing capabilities. Aquatic turtles are generally more adept at holding their breath and may have specialized adaptations for extracting oxygen from water. Terrestrial turtles, like tortoises, do not have these adaptations and rely solely on their lungs for breathing.

What is cloacal respiration and how does it work in turtles?

Cloacal respiration is a process by which some aquatic turtles can exchange gases through the highly vascularized area of their cloaca, which is an internal chamber that serves multiple functions. This allows them to take in dissolved oxygen from the water and release carbon dioxide, enabling them to remain underwater for prolonged periods.

Do turtles ever suffer from respiratory problems?

Yes, turtles can suffer from respiratory problems, often indicated by symptoms such as wheezing, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing. Respiratory infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and are sometimes related to poor water quality or inadequate temperatures. Veterinary care is essential for turtles with respiratory issues.