A warning about toxicity. A MUST read.

[trippyl]

Can someone just explain how to tell the difference between zoa's and polys? I can't tell by the pic posted which are which, how do I know whether my zoa's are actually zoas?

 

[CrazyLionfish]

Zoas are flat polyps. Its the easiest way to describe them they don't really have "stalks" like the other polyps.

 

[skippysmind]

I'll make some zoo brownies tomorrow and let you all know how it turns out. if you don't see another post from me in a few days you will all know the tragic results.

 

[cmhollis]

Do a google for "Ag-Tek Poly Sleeves". I had my vet order me a pack of 100, he charged me $35. They can be had online for much cheaper.

 

[oddiseus]

Wow, I have been aquaculturing zoo's for about a year. I even yank them off some rocks and watch them ooze that gooey little substance. I have done all this with bare hands and I wouldn't doubt that I have even had cuts on my hands on several occasions. I am fine, I have never even had the slightest irritation. I couldn't even finish reading all of the 8 pages in this post because it is rediculous. Yes I'm sure that zoo's contain polytoxin to some extent but I think that most people are just freaking out a wee bit too much. If it were something to worry about then I'm sure pet stores would have to start putting stickers on the bags, or signs in the store or on the glass that state that you could potentially DIE from handling this product. The point is this is a bit too much. I have clipped zoo's. Smashed rock to pieces to make frags (probably smashing several zoo's too) I have used razor blades to extract them from the rock and all this at the same time I pull my hand out of my bins dry them off (not wash mind you) and grab my subway sandwich and take a huge bite. I am fine. I think that some freak occurences do happen. I'm sure there is people and pets out there that are severly allergic to the excretions from zoo's but I think if we did a poll we would find most people handle thier zoo's bare handed and have for years without any ill affects.. This is all just my honest oppinion and I'm sure others agree.

-Odd

 

[DgenR8]

While I agree that there is some over reaction in parts of this thread, I don't agree that if Zoas were dangerous there would be a warning. Lion fish, Rabbit fish, Amenones, etc. are all extremely dangerous if mishandled, yet they don't come with a warning.
The point of this thread is to create awareness, and suggest caution be used when handling a POTENTIALLY dangerous animal.

 

[glyle41]

I know i am new to this forum but i do have a little experience with some of my palyothoas numbing my whole right arm from coming in contact with the mucous they were excreting this is just one small colony i have that seems to be this potent i frag my zoos bare handed all the time just dont handle this one colony without my gloves just my experience and by the way these are very common green and brown variety that i see everywhere for sale dont know if they are all this potent or just htis particular group????

 

[stlsaltwater]

I had one squirt me in the eye, when i was gluein him on a rock!!!

 

[bendavis]

thanks, i am scared of my zoos now...

 

[CrazyLionfish]

I agree that it is an over reaction. I mean, I'm glad you are trying to make us be cautious. But I think it only happens to certain people, with certain colonys, at certain moments. Are you 100% glyle41 that it was the zoas that numbed your arm? And how long was it numb for? But if we have this thread, why don't we have a "Warning: Lionfish" thread?

 

[DgenR8]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6261141#post6261141 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CrazyLionfish
But if we have this thread, why don't we have a "Warning: Lionfish" thread?

In short, I'd guess because most people, even those not in this hobby have heard somewhere that Lionfish can sting you.

 

[CrazyLionfish]

That is a good point, I had a friend of mine once I told him I had a lionfish, "COULDN'T THAT THING KILL YOU?!" haha. Sorry that last post was kind of harsh. I was more cautious with my zoos after reading this, it's just that I don't like accepting things as fact until they're proven as fact, and most of the zoo related injuries on here are "I think my zoos did this" not "It was found that my arm contained zoo toxin" or something along those lines.

 

[musicsmaker]

That could very well be so. I think if a person were to be hit with palytoxin, they would be hospitalized if not dead. I would suspect some other irritant in situations where a limb went numb, or a burning sensation was felt.

 

[NanoCube-boy]

Wow, I just bought some Zoos and only know the basic. I didn't even know that they were this deadly? I got kids around, touching the water... Does the toxic get the water?

 

[milkshake]

Good.....now I know how to get rid of the cat

 

[NanoCube-boy]

what are the symtoms? can the toxic gets in the water? i been touching it with my bare hands, well I have no cuts though, is that bad? I do handle other corals in the tank also in the tank.

 

[CrazyLionfish]

Symptoms are usually serious pain, swelling, trouble breathing I believe. I think it can get into the water, but not all zoos have the toxins (from what I've seen/heard very few do) and if you don't have a cut on your hands you should be fine. I think most corals have some kind of toxin they can release, but most are not potent.

 

[hllywd]

Wow... maybe this thread will take pressure off of the guns...

Seriously I think this has the tones urban legends are made of. Sorry for the negative opinion but if pet zoas were killing people, it's oddball enough, it would be in the news.
Maybe someone has links to some of these news stories???

 

[Nagel]

hllywd,

no urban legend.. Do a google search for Palytoxin.. Then you will see. It is one of the most potent toxins that occurs naturally. Where does this toxin come from? Palthoa, Protopalythoa, and occassionally Zoanthids..

Most peoples contact will not kill them.. If you get "tagged" most likely you will feel numbness in the affected arm, tase copper in your mouth and feel short of breath.. The effects should wear off. However, if you ATE a toxic polyp, well, I wouldn't want to be you..

The caution is more for reefers with pets and children that don't know any better. And god forbid you have an allergic reaction. People HAVE been killed by bee stings, this is no different..

 

[NanoCube-boy]

Yup, it is true..