Psychedelic Fish: The Underwater Trip You Never Knew Existed
When it comes to psychedelics, many people are familiar with LSD, magic mushrooms, and ayahuasca. But what if we told you that there are fish out there that can also give you a trippy experience? That's right, psychedelic fish exist, and they are found in different parts of the world.
These fish are not intentionally consumed for their psychedelic properties, but rather as a delicacy or for their nutritional value. However, certain species of fish have been known to contain high levels of hallucinogenic substances, which can cause people to experience vivid and sometimes terrifying hallucinations.
One of the most well-known psychedelic fish is the Salema porgy (Sarpa salpa), also known as the "dream fish" or "fish of the prophets." These fish are found in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coasts of Spain, Italy, and Greece. The flesh of the fish contains a high concentration of a psychoactive compound called indole alkaloids, specifically a compound called tryptamine. Eating a large quantity of this fish can result in a hallucinogenic experience that can last for several hours.
Those who have eaten the Salema porgy have reported experiencing vivid and surreal dreams, feeling disconnected from reality, and having a heightened sense of awareness. However, the experience can also be accompanied by feelings of anxiety and paranoia, making it a potentially unpleasant trip.
Another psychedelic fish is the smooth toadfish (Tetractenos glaber), which is found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This fish contains a potent neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, which is similar to the poison found in pufferfish. The flesh of the smooth toadfish can be lethal if consumed in large quantities, but in smaller doses, it can cause a psychedelic experience that lasts for several hours.
Those who have eaten the smooth toadfish have reported experiencing intense visual hallucinations, such as seeing bright colors and patterns, feeling weightless and disconnected from reality, and having a distorted sense of time.
It's important to note that consuming these fish for their psychedelic properties can be dangerous, and should only be done under the guidance of a trained professional. Eating too much of these fish can result in serious health risks, including paralysis and death.
While psychedelic fish may seem like a novelty, they should not be consumed without proper research and precautions. These fish may offer a unique and surreal experience, but the potential risks far outweigh the benefits.
Sources:
"Psychoactive Fish: Salema Porgy", Science ABC, https://www.scienceabc.com/nature/animals/psychoactive-fish-salema-porgy.html
"Psychedelic fish: The great barrier reef's 'trembling terror'", ABC News, https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2019-10-06/psychedelic-fish-great-barrier-reef-smooth-toadfish/11519008