Are these zoanthids? Do I need to worry about palytoxin?

BrettDS · 08/27/2015, 02:40 PM

These came with my live rock, so I'm not sure what they are. Most of the pictures of zoanthids I've seen look like they're encrusting on a rock, but these guys are on long stalks in the sand. The bigger ones are maybe half an inch across.

Grkgod36 · 08/27/2015, 02:54 PM

They are palys,

liverock · 08/27/2015, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrettDS

These came with my live rock, so I'm not sure what they are. Most of the pictures of zoanthids I've seen look like they're encrusting on a rock, but these guys are on long stalks in the sand. The bigger ones are maybe half an inch across.

Sea mat...from the Keys....

MondoBongo · 08/27/2015, 02:55 PM

yes. those are some type of Zoanthid or Palythoa.

it's difficult to determine if a particular species contains palytoxin just based on looks alone. however, my standard advice is to always treat things in your tank with an appropriate amount of caution.

for example:

when fragging, use the proper protective equipment. this goes for all corals really. wouldn't want a chunk of acro ending up in your eye.

don't heat rocks up, don't bake them, don't drop them in to boiling water, etc...

be careful what you touch in the tank. wearing gloves is always a good idea. palytoxin aside, you don't want to cut yourself on a rock and end up with a bacterial infection either.

i choose not to keep Z's and P's because of the potential for palytoxin poisoning. i don't find the reward to be worth the risk. that said, plenty of people do keep them, and as long as you use common sense, you likely won't have a problem.

BrettDS · 08/27/2015, 03:03 PM

Thanks guys. I guess my question was more along the lines of if they have the potential to have a toxin, and it seems that the answer is yes.

liverock · 08/27/2015, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrettDS

Thanks guys. I guess my question was more along the lines of if they have the potential to have a toxin, and it seems that the answer is yes.

Answer is....No..lol.....been collecting them for almost 40 years...is a zoo......very common and and friendly...handled hundred of pounds over the years.... no worries...
Richard TBS
www.tbsaltwater.com

BrettDS · 08/27/2015, 05:25 PM

Cool, thanks much man

inthedeep2 · 08/27/2015, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MondoBongo

as long as you use common sense, you likely won't have a problem.

+1 common sense wear gloves when you can and always scrub your hands with soap and water..

E46Twist · 08/28/2015, 01:25 PM

Yeah just try not and touch them bare handed and if you do (i get lazy and do) just wash your hands good, starting with cool water. I am sure others are not even this cautious cautious but I do not want want to find out they are the one thing on the planet that I am deathly allergic to.

jayball · 08/28/2015, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MondoBongo

yes. those are some type of Zoanthid or Palythoa.

it's difficult to determine if a particular species contains palytoxin just based on looks alone. however, my standard advice is to always treat things in your tank with an appropriate amount of caution.

for example:

when fragging, use the proper protective equipment. this goes for all corals really. wouldn't want a chunk of acro ending up in your eye.

don't heat rocks up, don't bake them, don't drop them in to boiling water, etc...

be careful what you touch in the tank. wearing gloves is always a good idea. palytoxin aside, you don't want to cut yourself on a rock and end up with a bacterial infection either.

i choose not to keep Z's and P's because of the potential for palytoxin poisoning. i don't find the reward to be worth the risk. that said, plenty of people do keep them, and as long as you use common sense, you likely won't have a problem.

Good advice above. Basically just keep it out of mouth, eyes, open cuts, and do not do anything to create an aerosol (like brushing them off, boiling...)

They are very nice looking BTW.

Quote:

Originally Posted by liverock

Answer is....No..lol.....been collecting them for almost 40 years...is a zoo......very common and and friendly...handled hundred of pounds over the years.... no worries...
Richard TBS
www.tbsaltwater.com

Richard,

If you do a google search with the following string you will find literature that palytoxin has been isolated from various Caribbean polyps.

caribbean zoanthid contain palytoxin

08/27/2015, 02:40 PM	#1
BrettDS Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Orlando Posts: 1,109	Are these zoanthids? Do I need to worry about palytoxin? These came with my live rock, so I'm not sure what they are. Most of the pictures of zoanthids I've seen look like they're encrusting on a rock, but these guys are on long stalks in the sand. The bigger ones are maybe half an inch across.

08/27/2015, 02:55 PM	#4
MondoBongo Obligate Feeder Obsessed Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 4,061	yes. those are some type of Zoanthid or Palythoa. it's difficult to determine if a particular species contains palytoxin just based on looks alone. however, my standard advice is to always treat things in your tank with an appropriate amount of caution. for example: when fragging, use the proper protective equipment. this goes for all corals really. wouldn't want a chunk of acro ending up in your eye. don't heat rocks up, don't bake them, don't drop them in to boiling water, etc... be careful what you touch in the tank. wearing gloves is always a good idea. palytoxin aside, you don't want to cut yourself on a rock and end up with a bacterial infection either. i choose not to keep Z's and P's because of the potential for palytoxin poisoning. i don't find the reward to be worth the risk. that said, plenty of people do keep them, and as long as you use common sense, you likely won't have a problem. __________________ [Citation Needed] "You don't use science to show that you're right, you use science to become right" - xkcd Current Tank Info: A rectangular shaped money pit.

08/27/2015, 02:54 PM	#2
Grkgod36 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 375	They are palys,

08/27/2015, 03:03 PM	#5
BrettDS Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Orlando Posts: 1,109	Thanks guys. I guess my question was more along the lines of if they have the potential to have a toxin, and it seems that the answer is yes.

08/27/2015, 05:25 PM	#7
BrettDS Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Orlando Posts: 1,109	Cool, thanks much man

08/28/2015, 01:25 PM	#9
E46Twist Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbia,MO Posts: 328	Yeah just try not and touch them bare handed and if you do (i get lazy and do) just wash your hands good, starting with cool water. I am sure others are not even this cautious cautious but I do not want want to find out they are the one thing on the planet that I am deathly allergic to.