Watch a Group of Groovy Dolphins Get Stoned on a Pufferfish

Continue reading...

Humans are no strangers to the psychedelic effects of both natural and synthetic substances — the 1960s and 1970s are a testament to that. But what about the rest of the animal kingdom? Do animals engage in recreational drug use like humans? Although we don’t know exactly why, there is evidence that many animals certainly have experienced altered states. In this video, a group of dolphins appear to pass a pufferfish around like a bong as they enjoy the narcotic effects of its toxic defense.

Where Do Pufferfish Live?

Pufferfish belong to the Tetraodontidae family and are typically found in warm oceans, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. While a few species live in brackish or freshwater environments, most pufferfish prefer marine habits, ranging from reefs and coastlines to out in the open ocean. The many different pufferfish species vary considerably in size, from just 1 inch to more than 2 feet long.

Pufferfish are not super fast swimmers, which could make them easy prey for predators. However, these unique fish are well-equipped with effective defenses. Instead of scales, their bodies are covered in sharp spines. In addition, pufferfish have very stretchy stomachs and can inflate them with water when threatened, drastically increasing their size. This transforms the pufferfish into a massive, prickly ball that is nearly impossible to swallow.

But if that wasn’t enough, the pufferfish also has tetrodotoxin. This potent neurotoxin makes the pufferfish taste terrible to predators, and it can cause paralysis, illness, and even death. In Japan, pufferfish is considered a delicacy, but if it isn’t prepared just right, it quickly becomes a person’s last meal. Tetrodotoxin is 1,200 times more poisonous than cyanide to humans, and a single pufferfish has enough to kill 30 adults!

A Defensive Form of Stress Relief

While this toxin provides a great defense for the pufferfish in an ocean filled with predators, scientists have recently discovered that these ingenious sea creatures use it for more than just protection. Studies of Japanese or tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) suggest that tetrodotoxin also plays a role in reducing stress. These pufferfish store the toxins in their skin and organs from bacteria in their diet. Young pufferfish with higher levels of tetrodotoxin grow larger and tend to be more docile. Researchers found a correlation between tetrodotoxin and lower levels of cortisol and corticotropic-releasing hormones. In fact, puffers lacking the toxin had four times the levels of these stress hormones compared to those with it!

Do Dolphins Commonly Eat Pufferfish?

Bottlenose dolphins, like those seen in the video above, live in nearly every ocean outside of the Arctic and Antarctic Circle. They are curious and incredibly intelligent creatures — a compelling combination of traits, especially when encountering something like a toxic pufferfish.

While dolphins typically prey on fish, squid, and crustaceans, pufferfish do not regularly feature in their diet. So, why are the dolphins in the video so focused on the pufferfish? It’s tempting to anthropomorphize their behavior, but, rather than looking to get high, the dolphins were more likely just playing, learning, and exploring, as dolphins tend to do.

Experienced dolphins understand the dangers and effects of pufferfish and typically are cautious around these fish. However, younger dolphins may engage in playful interactions as they learn and explore. While we still don’t know exactly why dolphins engage with puffers, most experts agree that these interactions are a form of play combined with a healthy dose of learning, curiosity, and social bonding. While dolphins have been observed playing with pufferfish without causing them to release toxins, some researchers suggest that dolphins might still be using them for mild intoxication, though this behavior is not fully understood.