how long can a whale hold breath
In fact whales are able to take in much more usable oxygen than land animals and humans. One estimate states that a whale may be able to store and use up to 90% of the oxygen they inhale. Whales are also able to shut down non essential functions in order to maximize the efficiency of their oxygen usage. Depending on the whales species whales have been known to hold their breath anywhere from 5 minutes up all the way up to 90 minutes during deep dives. Due to their consistent conscious effort to control their breathing whales are referred to as conscious breathers.
Sperm whales make some of the longest dives achieved by mammals, with some lasting up to 90 minutes, while dolphins and other whales can stay underwater for 20 minutes. The longest time a human has held their breath for under water is 19 minutes â set by a Swiss freediver called Peter Colat.