Palytoxin exposure?

Mkvc · Jan 12, 2021

My zebra moray knocked a rock out of place in my 150g. I'm pretty sleep deprived so without thinking about it I stuck my hand in there to fix it and promptly got bit by my puffer. He drew blood. Shortly afterwards, I accidentally drank some tank water.

The only thing living on the rock that got displaced was my bubble tip anemone. I'm more concerned that the same puffer ate two small small zoa frags (only 4 heads ea) somewhere between last night and this morning.

So my question - how does palytoxin poisoning work? Would the zoas have used it to defend themselves? Would it still be in the water? Could I get it from ingestion or the bite?

With how little exposure I had, I'm probably being paranoid (I'm 8mo pregnant atm), but I don't wanna take any chances...

Thanks a ton for your input!

Crustaceon · Jan 12, 2021

If the toxin were anywhere, it would be in the mouth of that puffer. You’d likely feel a numbness or tingling at the bite location. I’d be more concerned with palytoxin entering your bloodstream via a bite vs. ingestion of a very diluted concentration which would contact strong digestive acids. I’d just drink a bunch of water and keep that wound clean. If you notice a change for the worse in the wound or how you feel, go to the hospital.

Dkmoo · Jan 12, 2021

Palytoxin could be in all of those places you mentioned (in water, on the puffer mouth, etc.) so its a question of "how much". Generally zoas have less than palys and reaction range from just skin react to respitory/digestive complications.

In all honesty tho i think unless there are medical experts here on this forum, most of us hobbyists get our information just by googling. If you are really concerned please talk to your doctor - esp if you have any symptoms/negative reactions either on your skin wound or start to feel unwell.