By Kristene S.Marie
THE toxins of pufferfish are often feared, and rightfully so. They can paralyse a person, shut down their breathing and ultimately cause death.
However, dolphins have been seen engaging with pufferfish in a non-predatory way; some have even said that they do this because the usually-lethal toxins give them a buzz.
Is this true?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Researchers and filmmakers have found this is in fact true, with a notable instance being seen in the BBC series “Spy in the Pod” as footage appears to show dolphins reacting to pufferfish toxins.
In the documentary, dolphins were filmed gently playing with the pufferfish by passing it between each other for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
This differs from fish caught as prey, as those were rapidly ripped apart.
As for why, it has been found that dolphins gently handle pufferfish to elicit a controlled sub-lethal release of toxin that leaves them in a trance-like state.
This in turn has led some researchers to suggest that what is happening is a deliberate exposure to a minimal dose rather than accidental poisoning.
So yes, research and observations seem to show that dolphins – animals with complex social structures and notable problem-solving abilities – “enjoy” a pufferfish’s toxins.