Leathers Toxic?

[etepperman]

Hi,

I have just been reading about Zoa and how toxic they are. I have deiced to keep them out my tank for now.

How about Leathers? I know they can be toxic to other corals, but how about humans?

Thanks,
E

 

[dublo8]

honestly you may want to re-read what you saw. Zoa's are only toxic durring propogation.( when your cutting them up) They are a great addition to any tank. Leathers will be fine as well. All corals have some type of toxicity to them one way or another.

 

[greenbean36191]

Palytoxin, the same toxin found in zoanthids, has been found in leathers, including Sinularia and Sarcophyton and at higher levels than what's found in most zoanthids.

However, the risk of the toxin to hobbyists is very minor. Practice good hygiene and don't frag with open wounds and it's essentially a non-issue.