Platypuses can remain submerged for up to two minutes while hunting. They slow heart rate and redirect blood to essential organs during dives. Oxygen storage in muscles supports prolonged underwater activity. They surface periodically to breathe but can hunt continuously for extended periods. Juveniles gradually increase their dive capacity as they mature. This ability is critical for catching prey in deep or turbulent rivers. It reflects adaptations seen in diving mammals, despite their small size.
Dive capacity increases foraging efficiency and predator avoidance.
It allows platypuses to exploit underwater niches inaccessible to other animals.
Platypuses adjust physiology to extend underwater hunting time.
Smithsonian National Zoo (si.edu)