Why dolphins seek out a poisonous pufferfish for a game
In short: Watch how a group of surf-loving dolphins engage in a risky game of catch with a pufferfish. This footage explores the boundary between animal play and the pursuit of natural highs.
The video captures a gang of dolphins interacting with a pufferfish, an animal that is both poisonous and intoxicating. Rather than hunting it for food, the dolphins appear to be seeking out the fish for 'teenage kicks,' engaging in a behavior that suggests a search for natural highs.
This behavior highlights the complex social lives of marine mammals and the ways in which animals navigate their environments for stimulation beyond basic survival.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Dolphins Play Catch with a Pufferfish! | Spy In The Wild | BBC Earth
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/nature-dolphins-play-catch-with-a-pufferfish-spy-in-the-wild-bbc-ea.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Animal behaviour · More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics