It’s not easy for most humans to hold their breath underwater, but some animals seem to be the champions. The following lists the average time in minutes that certain animals can hold their breath—in other words, not take oxygen into their system. It is interesting to note that some humans can hold their breath for longer; the underwater record by 2012 was 22 minutes and 22 seconds—humans can hold their breath longer underwater than on land because of what is called the “diving reflex,” when the body slows down the heart and metabolism to conserve oxygen and energy when in cold water.