Other Turtle Discussion :: just wondering...

[seafoodnewburg]

hi guys! how long can turtles hold their breath underwater? thanks.

love,
will

[krend]

I've read that some turtles actually can absorb oxygen through their shells and skin, avoiding the whole breathing thing altogether.

Hey you experts out there, is there any proof to this?

(My turtle has taken quiet a few naps underwater now.)

[jenaero]

I read something like that a while back but I think it was referring to some kind of enormous sea turtle. A res can hold it's breath roughly 15 min while awake and up to 3 hours while sleeping.

[CountryGirl68]

Turtles can hold oxygen in their body tissue. I've read that some can stay under water for 30 minutes. Guess the best one to know this answer is the turtle.

[marisa]

They have membranes under their throats and near their cloacas that allow them to absorb oxygen from the water (would make sense during hibernation). If they're active, however, I've read info that was more or less similar to that above.