Zoanthids killing me

[clowny]

So ive always liked zoanthids and want them, but at my LFS i learnt they have a toxin that can kill you. Give me a rundown plz. Is it likely to happen. Should i just not get them?
I dont know what to do.

 

[James M]

As long as you don’t eat them, sniff them when they are freshly cut, and carefully frag them you’re fine.

 

[clowny]

As long as you don’t eat them, sniff them when they are freshly cut, and carefully frag them you’re fine.

i dont plan on fragging them, and will wear silicone gloves when dealing with them. I should be fine right?

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

They are talking about palytoxins. I doubt you will ever have any issues with them. You can a general Google search and read more about them.

 

[James M]

i dont plan on fragging them, and will wear silicone gloves when dealing with them. I should be fine right?

Yes

 

[clowny]

They are talking about palytoxins. I doubt you will ever have any issues with them. You can a general Google search and read more about them.

zoanthids do or dont have it?

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

zoanthids do or dont have it?

Yes they have them. Palytoxins are airborne. You have to be really rough when handling them in order to have an issue. I have dragged many of zoas, both aquacultured and wild. I have never had an issue. This is also why if you ever boil live rock or do an acid treatment on LR, you do it outside.

 

[Terri Caton]

Check out this thread

I am freaking myself out! Palytoxin poison.

Just cleaning my tank. One of my euphyllia fell on a few palys I have earlier in the day while I was away. I picked it up and out of the water and one of the head was obliterated and had mucus all over it. I picked the euphyllia out of the water and removed the mucus and put it back in. I...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[AZMSGT]

Many items we keep in our tanks are potentially dangerous. As many things under our kitchen sink and in our medicine cabinet can kill us as well. Take care, use caution and learn about the things you are considering as additions to your tank.. All will be well.

 

[VA5]

I researched this extensively when transferring tanks this year (I’m a doctor and past pharmaceutical researcher so I understand medical stuff).
basically paliotoxin is extremely poisonous but only causes issues in a few select circumstances
First common sense, if you are going to handle them wear gloves and eye protection. When cutting liquid can be released and your eyes absorb chemicals easily
Most serious cases of paly poisoning involved people boiling live rock which will make the toxin airborne. For me I will never boil live rock for this reason
Finally not all Zoe’s have paliotoxin and those that do have varying dosages. If you are concerned stay away from palys and stay with Zoe’s
Poisoning is very rare which is surprising due to how careless many in this hobby are about the issue

 

[mfinn]

I have been keeping zoanthids and palythoas since about 1990.
I have had hundreds of different kinds/color morphs and literally thousands of polyps and I have never had any kind of reaction to them. I've fragged them more times than I can remember and never had a issue.
I've never met anyone that has a reaction to them.

So if you like the colors and look of them, by all means, collect them.
Just use a little common sense. Protect your face when cutting them or the rock they are on. Rubber gloves are also on the list.