Which Zoanthids contain Palytoxin?

There are three genera of Zoanthids that are known to contain varying concentrations of palytoxins: Zoanthus sp., Palythoa sp., and Protopalythoa. There are no home tests to determine if a specimen contains palytoxins until symptoms appear after exposure.

How toxic is Palytoxin?

Inhalational exposure to palytoxin is an extremely rare cause of respiratory distress. This little-known marine toxin has the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. Toxicity has been best documented in cases of ingestion but has also been seen in cases of dermal exposure and inhalation of vapors.

What do Palythoas look like?

The tentacles’ shape and size can vary considerably between species, and even between colonies of the same species. Their colors are also highly variable, with relatively dull shades like cream, coffee, white, brown, or yellow, being the most common. Fluorescent colored colonies also exist, but these are more rare.

Do Pandora zoas have palytoxin?

Caution Should be Taken with Pandora Zoanthids Some Zoanthids and Palythoa contain a powerful neurotoxin called palytoxin which can be extremely harmful if it comes in contact with your bloodstream. Take special care handling polyps and avoid handling if you have an open cut on your hands.

Do zoanthids release toxins?

Species of Zoanthid coral (e.g. Palythoa species and Zoanthus species) can contain a highly toxic, naturally-occurring and potentially lethal substance known as Palytoxin. Zoanthid corals are often recommended to new marine aquarium owners because they are considered to be relatively easy to keep.

Can palytoxin be absorbed through skin?

Skin contact There have been palytoxin poisonings through skin absorption e.g. in people who touched zoanthid corals in their home aquariums in Germany and USA.

How is palytoxin released?

PLTX is released by Palythoas when they are stressed and the toxin can be rapidly aerosolised. Exposure can be through dermal, inhalation, or ocular routes and symptoms appear within minutes to hours following exposure. Reactions range from localized, transient irritation to longer-term disability.

How can you tell the difference between Palythoas and Zoanthids?

Many people also use different names to describe the same zoanthids. Generally speaking, zoas have smaller, more colorful polyps, palys have larger, duller polyps, and protopalys have polyps on stalks that have more tentacles than the others and they do not grow from a thick mat.

Can zoas touch palys?

zoas and palys can touch but since palys are bigger and have longer stems they usually outgrow zoas and they end up dying. Keep your paramters as stable as you can and your corals will be happy.

What is Paly ZOA?

Zoas and palys are one of the most popular organisms to collect and many hobbyists take pride in how many different types and colors they have their tank. To frag a zoa or paly, our ‘weapon’ of choice is a stony coral cutter that allows you to cut in to the rock a remove the polyp along with a small piece of the rock.