Do Dolphins really play with this poisonous fish to "get high"? Here's what science says

Dolphins play with Pufferfish to get "high" (Image: Canva)

• Dolphins use pufferfish toxins for altered sensations, not euphoria.
• BBC footage shows dolphins passing pufferfish and drifting calmly after exposure
• Scientists confirm dolphins' behavior is intentional and not just playful myth

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This may come to you as strange, funny and quite shocking, but Dolphins purposely get "high". Yes, and science have a logical explanation for this. Dolphins are highly intelligent and often manipulate objects for fun or social bonding. Their dazed look may come from mouth numbness or a natural play-induced trance, not euphoria. Here is debunking about the fact that Dolphins get high on purpose is a myth or just science!

Dolphins are not that innocent! 

Dolphins are often seen as friendly, playful ocean angels. But scientists have spotted them doing something surprisingly mischievous. Instead of just swimming and socialising, some dolphins play with toxic pufferfish to get high. They experiment with nature’s chemicals. Bottlenose dolphins were observed handling pufferfish in a way researchers had never seen before.

Dolphins are often seen as friendly, playful ocean angels. (Image: Canva)

Dolphins Get High Purposely

In rare underwater footage by BBC, dolphins were seen gently biting pufferfish. But they are not trying to kill the pufferfish, instead they made it release tiny amounts of toxin. The dolphins passed the fish around like a floating toy. Moments later, they began drifting calmly near the surface. Scientists believe this was not an accident. The dolphins knew exactly what they were doing.

Why Do Dolphins Get High?

The pufferfish releases a toxin called tetrodotoxin when stressed. In large amounts, it’s deadly. In tiny amounts, it can cause numbness and altered sensations. Dolphins may enjoy the strange, floaty feeling it creates.

Just like humans seek fun experiences, dolphins may enjoy mental stimulation. Playing with pufferfish could be their version of “recreational experimentation.” Basically, dolphins might just like feeling a little weird sometimes.

So, is this Myth or Science? 

There is scientific evidence that dolphins interact with pufferfish carefully. The toxin can alter nervous systems slightly in tiny doses. But it does not trigger pleasure like human recreational drugs. Yes, this is science and not myth, it's just misinterpreted that dolphins "get high". Whether these dolphins are chasing a “buzz” or just being playful geniuses, they continue to surprise us.