Octopuses On MDMA Turn Into Relaxed And Friendly Creatures

Typically asocial octopuses turn into affectionate creatures when given MDMA, the drug also known as ecstasy, according to a new study. Any given octopus is unlikely to seek out companionship from other octopuses, only coming together when it is time to mate. When given MDMA, however, these creatures were found to get close to each other and, in some cases, even 'hug' their companions.

MDMA is known for causing feelings of love and affection in humans, but one could only guess at the effect it would have on octopuses, creatures that are often housed away from each other due to the risk of one killing the other. That changes when on ecstasy, according to a study newly published in Current Biology.

According to the research, octopuses given MDMA want to spend more time with each other, something mirrored by their human counterparts. The similar effect is observed despite 500+ million years of evolution separating humans and invertebrates like the octopus.

According to NPR, which spoke to researchers who worked on the product, the octopuses were first given a high dose of MDMA to test whether they could experience any effects at all. That was apparently too much, as the octopuses appeared hyper-vigilant and stared.

Upon being given lower doses, though, the octopuses demonstrated major behavioral changes, getting closer to each other and even touching each other. Whether that demonstrates an increase in something like love or affection for each other, though, is still up for debate.

SOURCE: Current Biology