Be careful when handling Zooanthids!!

[Guest Kimo]

I think this is important enough to post here -

 

Be EXTREMELY careful when handling Zooanthids.  Someone just posted THIS thread on Reefcentral about how his dog ate some zooanthinds and ended up DEAD from the Palytoxins.  Apparently, these toxins are the deadliest natural substance known to man, and 4 micrograms will kill a human!!

 

Please be careful around your tank if you have zoos and make sure you watch your children and pets when they are around the tank as well.  I feel very badly for this guy - Something like what happened to him would make me seriously consider if it is worth keeping reef tanks.

 

So please be careful, and check out the above link.

 

Jamie

[Coral Hind]

I knew they had toxins but had no idea how deadly they were.

 

Thanks for the post!

[michaelg]

Yes- these can be quite potent.  Anthony Calfo had a couple stories that he shared when he spoke.  He has been poisoned like 3 times by the things- though never requiring hospitalization.  Came inadvertently from things like wiping sweat with a towel he wiped his hands with after fragging up some zooanthids.  I believe he said that islanders used to use them on the tips of their spears.

 

Michael

[Aquariareview]

Thank you for the heads up on this Jamie..I wear surgical gloves when I frag to protect the coral from infection but I think It would be a good thing to recomend for all coral handling.

[Aquariareview]

Thank you for the heads up on this Jamie..I wear surgical gloves when I frag to protect the coral from infection but I think It would be a good thing to recomend for all coral handling.

[Coral Hind]

I think I have had to much to drink!  I am seeing doubles! :D