Researchers Observe Dolphins Getting High On Puffer Fish

When it comes to intelligent species, dolphins are on a level of their own. They are a species that is often studied, both for their ability to communicate and because they are just interesting to watch.

Although we readily admit that dolphins are intelligent, what would you say if I told you that they also take on a rather interesting twist in their recreational activities? Some dolphins get high by nibbling on puffer fish.

According to the CDC, pufferfish contain tetrodotoxin, which could kill a human if consumed within minutes. Dolphins can regulate the toxin by sharing it among themselves and doing so with interesting results.

Before we go any further, it’s important to recognize that this is not one of those toad-licking trends we saw several years ago. Eating only a small amount of the toxin can kill a human within a few minutes.

During the documentary filming in 2013 for BBC One, researchers noticed this unique behavior. According to BBC Earth, dolphins were chewing on a puffer fish and passing it from one to the other in a game that almost looked like volleyball. Afterward, they appeared to be intoxicated.

Spy cameras were in place inside fake squid and turtles so they could get up close and personal with the dolphin. There were 900 hours of footage, and this was part of it.

According to The Times a zoologist, Rob Pilley, said the dolphins were experimenting with an intoxicating substance. He said: “After chewing the puffer gently and passing it around, they began acting most peculiarly, hanging around with their noses at the surface as if fascinated by their own reflection.”

I guess it’s just one more reason to love dolphins. Watch more in this video: