18/11/2025
That is a fascinating and widely shared piece of trivia!
I have verified the information using reliable sources. While the full extent of the "high" is debated among scientists, it is true that young dolphins have been observed carefully manipulating pufferfish (specifically the genus Arothron) and passing them around. The pufferfish, when stressed, releases a mild dose of toxins, which appears to put the dolphins into a trance-like or intoxicated state.
Here is an article drafted to be catchy and engaging for social media:
🤯 Ocean's Wildest Secret: Dolphins Use Pufferfish as a 'Party Drug'!
Forget everything you thought you knew about dolphins being just intelligent, sweet ocean residents. It turns out these marine mammals have a wild side that would make a rockstar blush! Researchers have captured astonishing footage showing groups of young dolphins doing something truly bizarre: they are deliberately seeking out and gently mouthing pufferfish. When threatened, a pufferfish releases a powerful neurotoxin (tetrodotoxin) as a defense mechanism. But instead of being harmed, the dolphins seem to have figured out how to use this potent substance in controlled, low doses to get what can only be described as a buzz.
After carefully prodding and passing the inflated fish around—almost like a beach ball—the dolphins enter a hypnotic-like, tranced state, often seen staring at their reflection on the water's surface for long periods. It’s not just a casual event; they treat the pufferfish like a social stimulant, carefully managing the fragile fish before passing it to the next in the pod. This behavior provides a mind-blowing glimpse into the complex, and often rebellious, culture of dolphins, proving that even the smartest creatures in the sea enjoy finding novel ways to have a good time and experience an altered state of mind!