Brief
Low‑dose psilocybin curbs aggression in mangrove rivulus fish, study finds
A Canadian experiment shows an acute low dose of psilocybin cuts aggressive behavior in a naturally combative fish species.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Scientists in Canada have shown that a brief exposure to a low dose of psilocybin markedly reduces aggressive attacks in adult mangrove rivulus fish, while leaving normal social interactions intact, according to a study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.
What happened
The research team worked with three genetically distinct laboratory lines of the amphibious mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus). Each fish was first observed in a tank separated by a fiberglass mesh barrier from a conspecific, allowing visual and olfactory cues but preventing physical contact. After a five‑minute acclimation, the opaque cover was removed and baseline aggressive and activity levels were recorded. The following day, the same fish were exposed to a low dose of psilocybin, while a separate group of fish served as provokers and a third group helped measure drug accumulation. Observations showed a significant drop in aggressive attack behavior and overall activity in the psilocybin‑treated fish, with no disruption to normal social engagement.
What the reports add
The article notes that psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in over 200 mushroom species, is known to act on serotonin receptors in mammals, influencing mood and aggression. However, its effects on vertebrate social behavior have been little studied. The mangrove rivulus was chosen because it is naturally highly aggressive and can self‑fertilize, allowing researchers to control genetic variation. The study’s authors highlight that this is the first evidence of selective aggression reduction in a vertebrate model without suppressing social interaction.
What was said
"We show that an acute, low dose of psilocybin significantly reduces activity and aggressive attack behavior during social interactions in adult mangrove rivulus fish, a species that is naturally highly aggressive," said first author Dayna Forsyth, a research associate and former MSc student at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, as reported by ScienceDaily.
"These findings provide the first evidence that psilocybin can selectively reduce escalated aggression in a vertebrate model without suppressing social interaction," added senior author Dr. Suzie Currie, a biologist at the University of British Columbia.
Key facts
- A low dose of psilocybin reduced aggressive attacks in mangrove rivulus fish. (sciencedaily.com)
- The effect occurred without disrupting normal social interactions. (sciencedaily.com)
- Researchers used three genetically distinct laboratory lines of the fish. (sciencedaily.com)
- The study was published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. (sciencedaily.com)
- First author Dayna Forsyth is affiliated with Acadia University; senior author Suzie Currie is with the University of British Columbia. (sciencedaily.com)
Sources
- [1] sciencedaily.com — originally reported as “Magic mushroom ingredient takes the fight out of aggressive fish”
