Zoas release palytoxin !!!!

[JakeKM]

for those like me who are not experts

Here is somthing from another forum.

Zoanthid poison 4/25/04
Hi Crew !
<cheers, my friend>
Just another quick question .. how do zoanthids release their palytoxin poison?
<can be exuded separately, can be carried with mucous... and can simply be ingested by things that should not eat it. Palythoa toxica of Hawaiian waters was used in time past by natives to tip spears for mortal combat. Its a serious neurotoxin>
is it through stinging or by being cut when being trimmed?
<the latter more so... and be sure that you always wear gloves when working in the tank with corals and especially propagating them>
I'm studying the different corals to choose which to stock. I've removed the Euphyllias from the list as they are toxic and give out serious stings to people. Could you give some suggestions on "safe" corals ?
<please do not stock your tank this way... you will have almost nothing in it. A majority of sessile invertebrates (corals, sponges, tunicates, etc) have some means of noxious chemical defense. DO focus instead on collecting a natural selection of species form the same niche/biotope>
Thanks for all the help, you're site is the best. Romel
<best of luck, Anthony>

 

[Trogdor]

interesting and thanks for posting.

 

[JakeKM]

no problem

 

[JeffDubya]

Yes. Always a good idea to handle zoas wearing gloves and glasses, and keep your mouth shut. It might be a one in 100 chance of being poisoned, but I'd rather not go there.

I have also had a chat with my wife about palytoxins and their effects so if I am lying on the floor next to my tank when she gets home, she might have an idea as to what occured.

I also keep a laminated card with the word palytoxin on the front in large red letters and a brief CDC definition in my wallet, so if I have to take care of myself and go to the hospital they don't poke and prod me for a day trying to figure out what is wrong with me.

As far as I am concerned... it's just the responsible thing to do. Zooanthids can be toxic. We rarely know which ones are and which ones aren't. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...