what animal has 800 stomachs

Breiz Heurope

2 min read

·

09-03-2025

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What Animal Has 800 Stomachs? Debunking the Myth

The internet is a wonderful place, full of fascinating facts and… well, some not-so-factual things. One persistent myth that pops up is the claim that a particular animal boasts an astounding 800 stomachs. This isn't true. No known animal possesses anywhere near that many stomachs. Let's delve into why this myth persists and explore the animals that do have multiple stomachs, though nowhere near 800.

The Truth About Multiple Stomachs in Animals

The idea of an animal with 800 stomachs is completely fictional. It's likely a humorous exaggeration, a tall tale passed around online. However, multiple stomachs are a real phenomenon in the animal kingdom, though the number is usually far more modest.

The most well-known example is the ruminant, a group that includes cows, sheep, goats, and deer. These animals are herbivores with a specialized digestive system designed to efficiently break down tough plant matter. Ruminants have a four-chambered stomach:

• Rumen: The largest chamber, where bacteria ferment plant material.
• Reticulum: A honeycomb-like structure that traps and sorts food particles.
• Omasum: Absorbs water and other nutrients.
• Abomasum: The true stomach, where acids and enzymes break down food.

While technically four separate chambers, these are all part of a single digestive system. It's incorrect to say a ruminant has four stomachs.

Other animals with somewhat specialized digestive systems might have features that resemble multiple stomachs in function, but they don't possess separate, fully functioning stomachs in the way the myth suggests. Consider the following:

• Birds: Some birds have a crop, which stores food, and a gizzard, which grinds food. These are not separate stomachs, though.
• Sea cucumbers: These creatures have a complex digestive system but do not have multiple stomachs in the traditional sense.

Why the Myth Persists

The persistence of the "800 stomachs" myth likely stems from a combination of factors:

• Misinformation: The internet is a breeding ground for misinformation. False information spreads quickly and easily.
• Humor/Exaggeration: The claim is so outlandish that it's memorable and often shared as a joke.
• Lack of verification: People often share information without checking its accuracy.

In Conclusion

There is no animal with 800 stomachs. This is a completely unfounded claim. While some animals have multiple chambers within their digestive system, like ruminants, the number never approaches such a high figure. It's crucial to verify information before spreading it, especially when it comes to unusual biological claims. Let's stick to the fascinating truths about the animal kingdom, rather than perpetuating unfounded myths.