Share on … They have high amounts of haemoglobin and myoglobin to … With their eyes, ears, and nostrils on the top of the head, hippos can hear, see, and breathe while most of their body is underwater. … How Long Can A sperm whale can spend around 90 minutes hunting underwater before it has to come back to the surface to breathe. Humans, on the other hand, breathe in first and then exhale, leaving a lot of stale air in our lungs. Compared to these amazing aquatic mammals, humans still have a long way to go. Freediver, Aleix Segura Vendrell from Spain holds the record for longest held breath at 24 minutes, but the average human can only hold their breath for up to two minutes. More Articles Like This. Scientists say they have solved the mystery of one of the most extreme adaptations in the animal kingdom: how marine mammals store enough oxygen to hold their breath for up to an hour. The team studied myoglobin, an oxygen-storing protein in mammals' muscles and found that, in whales and seals, it has special "non-stick" properties. Video courtesy of Stacy Farina. CROCODILES can hold their breath underwater for more than an hour. Why crocodiles rarely come up for air | New Scientist How long can Budimir (Buda) attempted this record to promote the city of Sisak, after it was hit by a strong earthquake in December 2020. Leopard It was previously thought that elephant seals could hold their breath the longest, with a record of 2 hours. Cyanotic breath-holding spells: This is the most common type of breath-holding spell, accounting for about 85% of occurrences. The record is held by a Cuvier's beaked whale that dived for 137 minutes (well over two hours!). Greene-Chandos said Jahi's case is tragic, and as a mother, she is heartbroken for the family. How do Whales and Dolphins Sleep Without Drowning?