Palytoxin

[Gaines69]

i was thinking about trying the move from a FOWLR tank to a tank with a few easy to care for soft corals. ( I read that soft corals are the easiest to keep). Doing research I keep running into this palytoxin discussion. One article said that only palythoa zoanthids contain this toxin yet others say most soft corals do. My son is getting his first marine aquarium for his 12 th birthday and I wanted him to have a few also but not if they pose any danger whatsoever. We both like the look of corals with extended polyps and would like to make sure which corals are safe to have.
Thanks

 

[EmdeReef]

Zoanthids are classified in 3 genera and all contain varying concentrations of palytoxin. Genus Palythoa tends to contain highest concentrations. However, often time labeling or ID is not that easy and thus it is best to handle all zoanthids with care at least wearing gloves and protecting eyes, avoiding handling if there are any cuts etc. The toxin is most dangerous if it enters bloodstream via direct contact but it can also aerosolize and some recent cases report severe reactions without apparent handling of palys. May be inaccurate reporting but we do lack research into what environmental factors could result in palytoxin release, such as temperature spikes or parameter swings.

Personally, I would not risk it with your son. There are other easy soft corals or even LPS corals that extend their polyps. Almost all online retailers will list "beginner corals."

 

[Gaines69]

Zoanthids are classified in 3 genera and all contain varying concentrations of palytoxin. Genus Palythoa tends to contain highest concentrations. However, often time labeling or ID is not that easy and thus it is best to handle all zoanthids with care at least wearing gloves and protecting eyes, avoiding handling if there are any cuts etc. The toxin is most dangerous if it enters bloodstream via direct contact but it can also aerosolize and some recent cases report severe reactions without apparent handling of palys. May be inaccurate reporting but we do lack research into what environmental factors could result in palytoxin release, such as temperature spikes or parameter swings.

Personally, I would not risk it with your son. There are other easy soft corals or even LPS corals that extend their polyps. Almost all online retailers will list "beginner corals."

I am all for avoiding Zoanthids for both my son and myself. I’m looking for a beginner, easy to care for corals that are very reasonably priced. I’m in love with my sea whip and would like to add another coral or two in my tank. My sons tank will be smaller so a sea whip would be to big. What about a toadstool? They are pretty cool looking. I’m just wanting to do a lot of research before making the plunge into keeping corals.
Thanks for the reply

 

[Clutch]

Get him some Xenia , green star polyp (, and or a anemone tank (just careful with power heads and anemones) I’m not a fan of zoas

 

[Gaines69]

Get him some Xenia , green star polyp (, and or a anemone tank (just careful with power heads and anemones) I’m not a fan of zoas

Wow. I really like the green star polyp( green is my favorite color). Are the pink and purple ones as easy to care for? I did see something about a pulsating Xenia and thought they were neat too. I really want a bubble tip but I tried one already and it died day three and it was a hot mess trying to keep my tank from crashing and this happened while my tank was still at my friends house. Not sure if I’m ready to try that again. Lol.
Thanks for your reply

 

[kirstyflash]

Wow. I really like the green star polyp( green is my favorite color). Are the pink and purple ones as easy to care for? I did see something about a pulsating Xenia and thought they were neat too. I really want a bubble tip but I tried one already and it died day three and it was a hot mess trying to keep my tank from crashing and this happened while my tank was still at my friends house. Not sure if I’m ready to try that again. Lol.
Thanks for your reply

I have star polyps, pretty sure they are purple. They survived being stuck in a tank with high ammonia and are still thriving

 

[Gaines69]

I have star polyps, pretty sure they are purple. They survived being stuck in a tank with high ammonia and are still thriving

Awesome. Thanks for sharing the picture.

 

[Opus]

If you or your son are allergic to a lot of stuff, then maybe stay away from zoas. Unless you are taking them out of the water and messing with them then you are fine. If you are fragging them then you should wear goggles and a mask to be safe. I've had some mild reactions in cuts on my hand when fragging them but benadryl fixed me up in less than 30 minutes.

There used to be some really cool star polyp colors but now that they are considered a very low end coral, they just aren't imported any more. If you want an idea of what soft corals are available, go to Live Aquaria and check out the soft coral section.

 

[Gaines69]

If you or your son are allergic to a lot of stuff, then maybe stay away from zoas. Unless you are taking them out of the water and messing with them then you are fine. If you are fragging them then you should wear goggles and a mask to be safe. I've had some mild reactions in cuts on my hand when fragging them but benadryl fixed me up in less than 30 minutes.

There used to be some really cool star polyp colors but now that they are considered a very low end coral, they just aren't imported any more. If you want an idea of what soft corals are available, go to Live Aquaria and check out the soft coral section.

Thanks

 

[reef lover]

Lots of easy things u guys could keep...kenya tree, sinularia, colt coral, all leathers, mushrooms. Glad to see some of our youth taking interest...

 

[tdileo]

In my honest opinion, you don’t need to worry about zoanthids very much. I have handled hundreds, including freshly fragged ones, and never had a problem. The palytoxin is normally in the goop that they release when under stress, such as being cut or if someone boils live rock with them on it. As a safety precaution I would always wash your hands after handling them and try not to do it if you have open cuts, but it really isn’t a major concern of mine. However if it is somehow ingested, it is a very real threat and can be extremely dangerous. Like stated above, palythoas (like the big green or brown ones) usually have the highest concentrations. Of course the final decision of whether or not you add zoanthids into the tank is your decision. Just wanted to share my opinion and experience

 

[cristata.reef]

Other easy soft corals include clove polys, daisy polyps, and blue-green sympodium (my favorite softie). Easy LPS can be added when you have sufficient calcium and alkalinity levels. Those include Candy canes/trumpets, Duncans, Euphyllia, etc