Several weeks ago, I fragged up a rock that had a patch of zoanthids on it. I gave the zoa's to a buddy, but that whole rest of the day I had this crazy metallic taste in my mouth. I never mentioned it to anyone because I didn't get the connection.

Well anyhow, I was doing some reading online tonight, and it looks like I might have been poisoned! Apparently, zoanthids carry one of the most powerful toxins in the world. It's called Palytoxin, and there is no anti-toxin.

Needless to say, from now on when I handle zoa's, I am going to be wearing gloves and I will have safety glasses on. It's amazing that you can buy, handle and even propagate something this poisonous and really have no clue about it. Who knew???

All zoanthid polyps in the Palythoa genus have the toxin (thus the name palytoxin), ie button polyps and crater polyps. According to one post I read, other marine organisims in the wild - sponges, mollusks, etc. living near Palythoas can also absorb the toxins and become toxic themselves.

Google "deadly zooanthids" and just check out what you find. It will shock you.

One particularly good thread I found is here: http://www.marineaquariums.com/vb/sh...d.php?p=410145 there's even a story there about a guy's dog getting poisoned and dying.

Here's some scientific information about Palytoxins from a site called CBW, specializing in information on CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS. Wierd! Palytoxin (http://www.cbwinfo.com/Biological/Toxins/Palytoxin.html)

Something to think about!!!

Rob, this could be an excellent topic for a podcast!

You have to be careful when handling any coral... gloves are always recommended. Even leathers have toxins. And I was curious one time and touched my lip, then rubbed my lip then touched my tongue after cutting palythoa.... never felt a thing. Ya, I know... I'm crazy like that... don't tell my mother.

Your lucky! One of the guys in Houston's reef club got it so bad, they almost had to amputate his arm! I think he spent quite some time in the ER as well.

yes i agree, there are many reasons to be careful with corals.

Jeff, its definitely something i will talk about on a show, however i will not be able to go in depth unless i find someone to interview..
great suggestion and info thou, thanks

BTW, its not Zoos or Zooanthid, its Zoa or Zoathid.. :) the name Zoos is an unfortunate confusion

See podcast 37 on coral naming for details
http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/podcast-episodes/471-coral-naming-myths-podcast-episode-37-a.html

I got Zoanthid juice in my eye once :) Fragging, cut one by accident and squirt..

I removed my contact lenses, and did an eye wash. I had blurry vision for a day and the most severe case of red eye for about three days. For those of you who have ever had conjunctivitis... this is like 10X worse. Itching, stinging, I wanted to claw my eyes out.

One thing I'd like to mention, is that your friends and family SHOULD know that there are possiblities of illness from your system. This way, God forbid you ever fall ill, and can not communicate, the family member or friend can tell the emergency team that you do, in fact, play with corals. It may save hours, or days in identification and treatment...it may just save your life.

Dave

great points Dave..

just to add you should also make sure that other people stay out of your tank. i know its obvious but i know i have people come over and younger family members that like to help me with my tank. you have to make sure you are acting responsibly and keep them protected.. :)