Dolphins are known for their playful behavior, often observed holding puffer fish in their mouths. When frightened, these fish inflate with seawater, resembling a spiky tennis ball, which the dolphins spin and toss into the air.

Experts suggest that this may be part of the dolphins’ innate playful repertoire, although the exact reason remains uncertain. It’s possible that young dolphins are honing their echolocation skills, locating pufferfish on the ocean floor and engaging with them like a cat teasing its prey.

Interestingly, dolphins seem aware of the fact that puffer fish contain tetrodotoxin, a potent toxin. If they intended to consume the fish, they would likely stop playing and eat them. Instead, they delicately hold the pufferfish in their mouths without causing damage.

Another intriguing theory is that dolphins might be seeking a mild high from the chemicals released by pufferfish. Their playful interactions could be a way to experience these effects in a safe manner.

Moreover, dolphins are also seen tossing octopuses before consuming them. This behavior has a practical advantage: it eliminates the choking hazard posed by the numerous suckers on the inside of their throat.

Some animal games remain a mystery. For example, killer whales, celebrated for their intelligence and social behavior, exhibited a peculiar trend in the 1980s off Washington state’s coast, where a pod began carrying dead salmon on their heads. This behavior initiated with a single female and soon spread to the rest of the pod.

Though this trend faded by 1988, it resurfaced in 2024, making dead fish hats fashionable once more among killer whales. This peculiar behavior raises questions: Are they saving treats for later, or is it a playful game with unknown rules?

This article addresses the question, “Are there any animals that use other animals for sport?” submitted by Jeanie Holmes.

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