Zoanthid toxins

[kevindub]

Hi. I read that zoanthids are toxic. Are all of them toxic? What are the effects of the toxins on people? I have some zoathids and paid them much attention when i frag them.

 

[S!mon]

I use latex gloves when I frag my zoanthids, and wash my hands afterwards.

 

[Anonymous]

What are the effects of the toxins on people?

Well much like any toxin, the effects depend upon how much you get into you. But it doesn't take terribly much for death to occur, I think something like 4 micrograms is lethal.

In Calfo's book on propagation he has a section where he describes his "stupidity" when dealing with palythoa grandis, where he put a razor blade in his mouth that he just use to cut, he wiped his face with a towel he wiped off a cutting board with, he describes a metallic taste in his mouth and not regaining his sense of taste for quite some time, obviously this wasn't a fatal dosage. But if you feel strange in some way after handling palythoas, discretion is the better part of valor, go to the ER.

Google "Palytoxin" to get the full run down if you're worried this much, it'll probably be enough to scare you into being careful, being as palytoxin is one of the (if not most) deadly toxins known... which FYI there is no cure for.

 

[Anonymous]

I have, stupidly enough, listened to Calfo's story in person and then done the same exact thing. There's just something about sticking things in your mouth when you need a third hand. :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

I have, stupidly enough, listened to Calfo's story in person and then done the same exact thing. There's just something about sticking things in your mouth when you need a third hand. :lol:

Ayup, that also holds true for scratching your nose with excess superglue on your fingers post-fragging :lol:

 

[kevindub]

Thanks. So is there any danger for fish? I even know some fish that eat these polyps.

 

[SnowManSnow]

if the fish eats them.. they have adapted so that the toxin wont hurt them...