Psychedelic Fish: A Review of Ethnobiological, Toxicological, and Cultural Perspectives

he phenomenon of "dream fish", i.e. marine species purported to induce hallucinogenic experiences when consumed, has intrigued ethnobiologists, toxicologists, and psychonauts for decades. This literature review synthesizes multidisciplinary research on species such as Sarpa salpa (commonly known as the “dreamfish”), various rabbitfish (Siganidae), and select members of the Kyphosidae and Mullidae families, all anecdotally associated with hallucinogenic effects in humans. Drawing from a variety of sources, this review explores the biological plausibility, cultural contexts, and documented experiences surrounding these claims.

While anecdotal accounts from the Mediterranean, Indo-Pacific, and Caribbean regions describe vivid dreams, auditory and visual hallucinations and other symptoms of “ichthyoallyeinotoxism” following ingestion of certain fish, empirical evidence for psychoactive compounds in fish tissue remains inconclusive. Proposed mechanisms include bioaccumulation of marine toxins (e.g., indole alkaloids, ciguatoxins, or DMT-like compounds) from algal or planktonic diets, though direct chemical analyses are limited and inconsistent. Additionally, the review examines historical uses and taboos associated with these species in local fishing communities, as well as their sporadic appearances in Western literature and psychonaut lore.