Exploring the world of animals that don't need oxygen to live
Siddhartha Jana
Certain species have adapted to live without oxygen, flourishing in hostile habitats such as muddy swamps and deep seas.
Source: Canva
Despite normally requiring oxygen for respiration, the little freshwater animal Hydra can transition to anaerobic respiration in low-oxygen situations.
Source: Canva
Spiny-headed worms are parasitic and live in oxygen-free intestines, collecting nutrition straight from their hosts, allowing them to thrive in unusual environments.
Source: Canva
The microscopic creature Loricifera, which lives on the deep ocean floor, breathes using hydrogen rather than oxygen and can survive in harsh environments.
Source: Wikimedia commons
Tardigrades (water bears) can survive in space and underwater because they can "pause" their body processes in harsh conditions.
Source: Canva
The salmon parasite Henneguya salminicola does not have mitochondria; instead, it takes nutrition straight from its host and survives without oxygen.