How Does Aquaman’s Body Survive the Sea?

Arthur Curry a.k.a. Orin a.k.a. AquamanOpens in a new tab—whatever you want to call him!—is the undisputed king of the seven seas. He swims faster than anything with fins, he wields a killer trident that doesn’t always have three points, and he can even communicate with sea life. But Aquaman’s amazing abilities aren’t the most impressive thing about him, because if a humanoid really wanted to survive beneath the waves, he’d have to change almost entirely.[brightcove video_id=”5978735924001″ brightcove_account_id=”3653334524001″ brightcove_player_id=“rJs2ZD8xâ€]

All incarnations of Aquaman, including the latest featuring the sentient throwing axe that is Jason MomoaOpens in a new tab, portray the character as perfectly adapted to life underwater. Atlanteans like Curry can swim and breathe and fight anywhere in the ocean just fine. The incredible thing about Aquaman, though, at least according to current canon, is that he is half-human. This means that he must have some human physiology. And if he’s at all human, that means his Atlantean genetics have bestowed a tidal wave of traits that makes life submerged possible.In my latest episode of Because ScienceOpens in a new tab, I’m suggesting a few underwater upgrades.Opens in a new tabAfter you watch the new episode, check out my last video on how survivable pop culture-style grappling hooks areOpens in a new tab, buy a Because Science shirt, mug, hat, or collectible pinOpens in a new tab, and follow me on TwitterOpens in a new tab or on InstagramOpens in a new tab to give me a suggestion for the next episode. Want Because Science even earlier? Subscribe to AlphaOpens in a new tab for access to the show two full days before anyone else.

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