Zoathind question

[Nu2SW]

So some of my zoa's were spreading onto my main rock work from a frag I got. So I pulled the Frag peice off and I noticed some Red liquid stuff coming from one of the frags that ripped off the rock.

Anyone know what it is and is it bad?

 

[shilo_1]

It sounds like the toxin in the zoa, in this case released from the tear in the flesh. Its suggested not to touch it with bare skin (some people have reactions to it via skin contact), and especially not to get it in a cut or sore - it is highly toxic.

It should pretty much get diluted in the water and not be any problem.

 

[Nu2SW]

hmm well no cut or sores on my fingers. so I hope thats a good thing. I feel fine...

I guess when its time to frag zoa's , I better get some gloves.

 

[Izsabelle]

and eye protection. You don't want it in your eye. There is a thread about that issue on RC. Poor guys eye looked like someones pitbull ripped into it.

 

[Wee-Reef Master]

Yeah, it is theorized that Zoas possess the most potent palytoxin known. Be real careful. You should always be wearing gloves when working with these guys. Now some will say that they've handled these things for years without gloves or consequences. But a few have had horrendous results. Sure would be unfortunate for you to be one of those few. Good luck!

 

[Nu2SW]

Yeah Ive read about them, I do everything under water, so if it does spit at me the water would stop it.

John has had them spit at him when he frags them out of water. I saw the aftermath... It was NASTY.....

 

[boviac]

Yup I got spit at in the eye once with mushrooms. Took me out for about 30 minutes and about a day to clear up the reddness. Ever since I saw those threads about the potency of the toxins zoa's posses, I've been much more appreciative and glove wearing while handling them.

I've seen what looks more like a red stringy slime that emanates from things like mushrooms and other softies when disturbed as in fragging, but honestly I've never fragged intentially any zoa's to see this stuff.

By the way, the toxin can be so bad that even a small amount could cause bad things in a tank. I would recommend fragging with water-changed water or in some other water outside of the tank.

 

[Pico1]

John has been squirted in the eye a few times by zoas. We always have some eye wash on hand in case this happens.

 

[Nu2SW]

ONe thing i noticed is that my GBTA shrunk right after that, but it looks fine now.

 

[n2prelude03]

This is an advantage for those who wear glasses like me goggle at all time.

 

[yoshiod9]

there was a study done suggesting that only a certain species of palythoa (found in hawaii, nonetheless) is actually toxic. however, i like to err on the side of caution and keep my mouth/eyes closed when fragging any type of colonial polyps.