Magic mushroom ingredient takes the fight out of aggressive fish
Scientists have discovered that low doses of psilocybin can significantly reduce aggressive behavior in mangrove rivulus fish without affecting their normal social interactions. This study provides new insights into how psychedelic compounds influence social behavior in vertebrates.
Why it matters
The findings could lead to a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms behind aggression and the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics.
Psilocybin, the psychedelic substance found in more than 200 species of mushrooms, appears to have an unexpected effect on aggressive fish. Most mushrooms containing this compound belong to the gilled mushroom genus Psilocybe . In mammals, psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, influencing emotions and behaviors such as mood, appetite, and aggression. However, scientists still know relatively little about how the substance affects social interactions among animals.
To investigate this question, researchers in Canada examined the effects of psilocybin on the amphibious mangrove rivulus fish ( Kryptolebias marmoratus ). Their findings, published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience , suggest that even a brief exposure to a low dose can significantly reduce aggressive behavior without disrupting normal social interactions.
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