palytoxin

[SLOreefer805]

I was just reading the forum post about palytoxin and was trying to figure out if it was strictly from palys or if you could get it from zoas as well. If someone could please fill me in. I currently have 3 types of zoas and now I am freaking out. Looking at the pictures, it seemed individuals were only having issues with the palys.

 

[nuttyd]

Safer to assume all have it than take the chance. Generally the biggest concern is when you molest them by cutting or trying to boil.

 

[Sk8r]

Mainly take sensible precautions. I had them (without problems) in a tank before the risk was known and never had a problem. But if you have small children who would investigate and put their hands in the water (NEVER recommended for children!) it might be a concern. Don't pipette or mouth-start a siphon from water that's been with them. Likewise, treat any waste from fragging as toxic.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

From my research, and I am no biologist, "Paly's" (anything with Palythoa in their scientific name) are the dangerous ones and "Zoas" generally ok. I avoid Palys like the plague but do keep some Zoas.

That said, as others have suggested, I treat them like Palys and always use gloves and facemask whenever handling or fragging them.

 

[Squibege]

I'm sure using reasonable precautions everything is fine. As Sk8r said, keep the water out of your mouth! Handle them with gloves, make sure you have eye protection if necessary...

I work in a clinical lab and we use 'universal precautions' for every sample we touch to keep us safe. That way it doesn't matter if someone's blood is loaded with HIV, HepC, or whatever- we are safe from exposure. Similar principle applies here