You could die in this hobby. Information Everyone Should Know

[ErikH]

Again, I am bringing up this topic. Zoas and Palys contain the most powerful known natural toxin in the world. 5 micrograms is a lethal dose to a human being. I got a drop in my eye and immeadiately washed it out because I know how toxic they are. I was being sloppy not wearing my shop glasses. I consider myself lucky.

Death for human beings is only minutes.

http://www.cbwinfo.com/Biological/Toxins/Palytoxin.html

[corruption]

Crucial info, esp. considering how popular Zoanthids are... I'm sure its old news for many, but its one of those things that bears bringing up regularly -- carelessness can lead to horrendous results.

Stay safe, everyone.

-Justin

[Europhyllia]

Wow that's an important reminder. Thanks!

[Europhyllia]

Oh and question: the goggles for fragging make sense. What I'm having trouble with is the aquagloves. Great idea but I can't work with them. The rubber is so thick and bulky.
What do people use instead - if anything?

[corruption]

Latex work gloves are wonderful -- powder free is necessary... but you don't lose that textural response that you do with aquagloves :)

-Justin

[Gseclipse02]

i remember ping telling me about this ... great info kind of scary

[ErikH]

It is something I always want people to be aware of. Let's say you fragged in your tank. Then later on you did a water change and upon siphoning, you managed to get a little bit of water in your mouth. It may not kill you, but it could, and that is scary.

[corruption]

Paralysis and nerve damage is also a very real possibility, if you don't get a lethal dose -- this stuff is no joke... one of, if not the, most dangerous toxin to the human body in microscopic amounts... Really, be safe everyone :)

-Justin

[Mr Cob]

Good info. Most of us know this as well, but I'm positive that most of us do not take it seriously enough...me included.

Thanks for the reminder Erik.

[ErikH]

I really wonder how little 5 micrograms is. Something like two or three drops maybe?

[Squiers007]

I really wonder how little 5 micrograms is. Something like two or three drops maybe?

It all depends on the concentration. If it is highly concentrated then it may take less than a drop, but if it is very dilute it may take several ml's.

[Gseclipse02]

there is a write up that ping did that i downloaded off of here maybe some one find the link or rehost it ...

[Gseclipse02]

Hazards of Marine Life
By Peter L. Kordelski (Ping)


Many of the animals we come in contact with when dealing with marine life pose hazards that must be understood. Many home remedies on the treatment of these injuries pervade the online forums. Humorous as some treatment advice may be, “just pee on it”, or apply meat tenderizer, are not always applicable and sometime erroneous. There is no substitute for the care given by a Medical Doctor when someone is injured by marine life.
Knowing we can, or will, come in contact hazardous life forms demand we understand the cause and effect of these encounters. A brief overview of these animals’ natural defenses, the cause of these hazards, both invertebrates / vertebrates, as well as some potential first aid treatment follows.





Venomous Marine Animals (Invertebrates)


There are many marine animals that have no backbone and can inflict injuries by stinging. Three major categories of invertebrates will be discussed. Coelenterates, Mollusca, and Echnoderms.



Coelenterates. This group includes jellyfish, hydroids, sea anemones, and corals. Coelenterates are all simple, many-celled organisms. They all possess tentacles equipped with stinging cells or nematocysts in addition to other technical characteristics. The family of coelenterates is divided into three major classes.

Hydrozoan Class. Two of the more common members of this class are:

Stinging or Fire Coral. This false coral can be found in areas of true coral reefs in warm waters.
Portuguese Man-of-War or Blue Bottle. This hydroid is frequently mistaken for a true jellyfish. It is almost always found floating at the surface of the water.

Anthozoa Class:

Corals. Corals are primarily carnivores and with the use of small tentacles, capture and consume living Zooplankton. Treat coral cuts by thoroughly cleaning the wound and removing any coral particles. Some coral cuts have been helped by painting them with and antiseptic solution of tincture of iodine.
Sea Anemones. Well over 1000 species and sizes ranging from very small, (less than an inch) to over 2 feet in diameter. Most of the stinging cells of the sea anemones are located on the outer ring of the tentacles. For the most part, the nematocysts from the types that we keep in our aquariums can not penetrate our skin.

Scyphozoa Class – Jellyfish. Their sizes range from extremely small to a diameter of 6 feet with tentacles hanging below to a depth of 100 feet. The stinging cells of jellyfish are located in the tentacles.
Venom Apparatus of Coelenterates:

All of the coelenterates have stinging cells or nematocysts located on the tentacles. Each of these cells is like a capsule. If we come in contact with the capsule, part of it springs open and a very sharp, extremely small “thread”-type tube appears. The sharp tip of the tube may penetrate the skin and the venom injected. When coming in contact with the tentacles of any of the coelenterates we brush up against literally thousands of these small stinging organs.
The symptoms produced by coelenterates stings will vary according to species, where the sting is located, and our physical condition. In general, though, the sting caused by hydroids and hydroid corals is primarily skin irritations of a local nature. Stings of the Portuguese Man-of-War may be very painful. True corals and sea anemones produce a similar reaction. Some of the sting of these organisms may be hardly noticeable, while others may cause death in 3-8 minutes. Symptoms common to all of these may vary from an immediate mild prickly or stinging sensation, like that of touching a nettle, to a burning, throbbing, and shooting-type pain. The area in which contact was made will usually become red, followed by severe inflammation, rash, swelling, blistering, skin hemorrhages, and sometimes ulceration.

Treatment of Dermatitis. If a person is stung by a coelenterate, the following step should be taken.

Immediately rinse the wound in seawater, not with freshwater. Freshwater and abrasion (rubbing) will stimulate any nematocysts.
Attempt to neutralize the nematocysts. Acetic acid 5% (vinegar) is the treatment of choice to inactivate the toxin. An alternative is isopropyl alcohol (40% to 70%). The detoxicant should be applied continuously for at least 30 minutes or until pain is relieved. The following remedies have been used with varying degrees of success: unseasoned meat tenderizer (Protein destroying enzyme), sodium bicarbonate, vinegar, diluted ammonia solution, lemon juice, and sugar. (Urine—with its high ammonia content—may be the only source of relief).
Tentacles or other matter should be removed. This is important because as long as this matter is on the skin, additional stinging cells may be discharged. Use forceps or a well gloved hand, to remove the matter. DO NOT rub the wound with anything,

[Gseclipse02]

especially sand, as this may cause the stinging cells to be activated. DO NOT suck the wound.

Severe allergic reactions have accured and we must be prepared to treat for shock and possibly administer CPR.







Mollusks. Clams, chitons, octopuses, snails, mussels, nudibranches, squid and many more fall into this category. As a phylum, mollusks are the second largest invertebrate group, likely to show up in your aquarium sooner or later. The phylum mollusca is generally divided into five classes. Stinging or venomous mollusks fall mainly into two categories.

Gastropoda (Stomach footers) Of the over 33,000 estimated living species of gastropod, only the genus conus is of concern to us as a hazard. From the mildly painful to life threatening.

Cone shells, all of these shells have a highly developed venom apparatus. The venom apparatus lies deep within the body cavity of the animal and the animal is capable of thrusting and injecting the poison via the barb into the flesh of the victim.
Complications. The sting made by a cone shell is a puncture- type wound. The area around the wound may exhibit one or more of the following: turn blue, swelling numbness, stinging, or burning sensation. The amount of pain will vary from person to person. Some say the pain is like a bee sting, while others find it unbearable. The numbness and tingling sensations around the wound site may spread rapidly, involving the whole body, especially around the lips and mouth. Complete general muscle paralysis may occur. Coma may ensue and death is usually the result of cardiac failure.
Treatment. The pain comes from the injection of venom, slime, and other irritating foreign matter in the wound site. The treatment is primarily symptomatic because there is no specific treatment. Immersing in nonscalding hot water (upper limit 113 F) may help alleviate pain.

Cephalopods. This group includes the nautilis, squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. Since the octopus is the marine animal most likely encountered by us, it is the only one that will be discussed.

The sharp parrot like beak of the octopus makes two small puncture wound into which a toxic solution or venom is injected. Pain is usually felt immediately in the form of a burning, itching, or stinging sensation. Bleeding from the wound is usually very profuse which may indicate the venom contains an anticoagulant. The area around the wound, and in some cases the entire appendage, may swell, turn red, and feel hot. There has been one report of a fatal octopus bite. This death was attributed to the blue ringed octopus (Octopus Maculosus). Because its bite is dangerous, it should not be handled at any time.
Treatment. Treat for shock, stop the bleeding, clean the wound area since more venomous saliva could be in the area, and treat symptoms as they arise.





Echnoderms. Sea cucumbers, starfish, and sea urchins are members of this group. Sea urchins comprise the most dangerous type of echnoderms. In some species the spines are venomous and present a hazard if handled improperly.

Complications. The needle-sharp points of sea urchin spines are able to penetrate the flesh easily. These spines are also very brittle and tend to break off while still attached to the wound and are very difficult to withdraw. Penetration by one of these spines produces an immediate and very intense burning sensation. The area of pain will also swell, turn red, and ache. Numbness and muscular paralysis, swelling of the face, and a change in the pulse have also been reported. Secondary infection usually sets in. While some deaths have been reported, other victims have experienced loss of speech, respiratory distress, and paralysis. The paralysis will last from 15 minutes to 6 hours.
Treatment. The envenomed part should immediately be immersed in nonscalding hot water (upper limit 113 F) to tolerance for 30 to 90 minutes in an attempt to relieve pain. There will also be some discoloration due to a dye the animal secretes—do not be disturbed by this, it of no consequence. Spines (pedicellaria) must be removed or envenomation will continue. The spines of some species will be easily dislodged whereas others must be surgically removed. Although some thin spines may be absorbed within 24 hours to 3 weeks, it is best to remove those that are easily reached and leave the remainder in dissolution.

The best prevention is to wear gloves when handling invertebrates for both our safety and the welfare of our animals. When exploring open water sources we should cover our body as much as is possible and practical for the situation.







Venomous Marine Animals (Vertebrates)


Venomous spine fish (Fish that sting). Many of us have, or may come in contact with fish that can cause severe injuries


Types of fish in this group are:

Scorpion fish
Spiny dog fish
Rat fish

[Gseclipse02]

Weever fish
Catfish
Toad fish
Surgeon fish
Rabbit fish
Star gazers



NOTE: For all wounds from these types of fish, aid should be directed to three areas: alleviating the pain of the sting, trying to halt the effects of the venom, and preventing infection.



Certain types of these fish have up to 18 spines. The pain caused by the sting of one of these spines is so great in some species that the victim may scream and thrash about wildly. Many of these fish are bottom dwellers and many will not move out of the way when being approached by humans. Instead, they will lie quietly camouflaged, put up their spines, and simply wait for the unlucky individual to make contact with them. Many people are injured while trying to remove them from nets and while maintaining their aquariums
These wounds should be irrigated without delay. Puncture wounds from the fish are small and may make removal of the poison a difficult process. It may be necessary to remove a barb. Suction should be tried using a mechanical device, since it is important to remove as much of the venom as possible. The more poison removed the better. Most doctors agree that the injured part should immediately be immersed in nonscalding hot water (upper limit 113 F) to tolerance for 30 to 90 minutes in an attempt to relieve pain. If the wound it to the face or body, hot moist compresses can be used. Unseasoned meat tenderizer (Protein destroying enzyme) has also been used to help neutralize the poison. Treatment for shock is wise. CPR may be needed since some venoms may cause cardiac failure, convulsions, or respiratory distress.



Medical treatment discussed in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. This is meant to be a first aid guide immediately following an incident, prior to receiving advanced medical treatment.




References



Auerbach PS: Wilderness Medicine, Management of Wilderness and Environmental Emergencies, THIRD EDITION.: Mosby, 1995
AFR 64-4 Search and Rescue Survival Training. Washington D.C.: Department of the Air Force, 1985
Fenner RM: The Conscientious Marine Aquarist.: T.F.H. Publications, Neptune city, NJ, 2001

[Bill S]

My HS Bio teacher had a plant in her classroom. Said that it was African, and that it was used for poison darts. A buddy of mine in an experiment took 1 drop, diluted that in a liter of water 1:20,000). Took 1 drop, diluted in a liter of water (1: 40,0000,000). Took 1 drop of that and put it in a liter with a Goldfish. Goldfish paralyzed in seconds.

[justahobby]

Thanks for the post Erik and the additional info JT. I always take it for granite so it's nice to get a reminder.



My HS Bio teacher had a plant in her classroom. Said that it was African, and that it was used for poison darts. A buddy of mine in an experiment took 1 drop, diluted that in a liter of water 1:20,000). Took 1 drop, diluted in a liter of water (1: 40,0000,000). Took 1 drop of that and put it in a liter with a Goldfish. Goldfish paralyzed in seconds.

Wish I had known about that when I had to do school science experiments. Of course there's no telling what pranks I would've done w/ it. Where's the Principal? oh he's sleeping :D

[dmweise]

This kind of makes me want to get rid of my corals and go fish only with a few anemones and leathers.

[ErikH]

leathers are toxic as well.

[dmweise]

You're raining on my parade Eric. Haha. I'm not too worried about it. I don't frag my corals. The only ones that I really need to frag are some ricordea mushrooms. They are getting a bit thick and I need to thin them out.

[ErikH]

You're raining on my parade Eric. Haha. I'm not too worried about it. I don't frag my corals. The only ones that I really need to frag are some ricordea mushrooms. They are getting a bit thick and I need to thin them out.


Bring some down! We could trade? :D

[dmweise]

Bring some down! We could trade? :D

I'm not worried. I've been keeping coral for more than three years and have not had any ill affects.

[ErikH]

I meant bring down some rics and trade me!!!

[txav8r]

This is a great eye opener Erik. Glad you posted it.

[Mike]

Just a thought. Could a moderator or someone with access make a sticky of a thread with Ping's Poisonous article. There is a lot of good info there, with first aid tips available just in case. Might be nice for people to have in a handy easy to find location.

[txav8r]

Just a thought. Could a moderator or someone with access make a sticky of a thread with Ping's Poisonous article. There is a lot of good info there, with first aid tips available just in case. Might be nice for people to have in a handy easy to find location.


I would but it's on the first page of the Library reference section.

It is in a handy location, unfortunately few people look in the library. There is a lot of info in there, from articles to books to equipment.

[Gseclipse02]

I would but it's on the first page of the Library reference section.

It is in a handy location, unfortunately few people look in the library. There is a lot of info in there, from articles to books to equipment.


i looked but i didn't see it right away or i over looked it lol

[dmweise]

I meant bring down some rics and trade me!!!

I typed wrong, they are rodactus, not ricordeas.

[snfkotara]

Zoas use to make me sick when I first started handling them but now I can cut them and they dont bother me.

[nubz]

think of a gram as a medium paper clip..,. a microgram is one MIILONTH of a gram!!! thats freeky!!!! so when a distressed zoa/paly polyp emits the water that holds it upright, in that water a miniscule amount of protective toxin is emited. an average zoa puts out a drop the size of this "O" has enough palytoxin to kill a man. thats per polyp. a average zoa colony has between 10 and 20 polyps. hope this puts it into perspective!

[Squiers007]

think of a gram as a medium paper clip..,. a microgram is one MIILONTH of a gram!!! thats freeky!!!! so when a distressed zoa/paly polyp emits the water that holds it upright, in that water a miniscule amount of protective toxin is emited. an average zoa puts out a drop the size of this "O" has enough palytoxin to kill a man. thats per polyp. a average zoa colony has between 10 and 20 polyps. hope this puts it into perspective!

Not that I dont believe you, but I am curious what the source of your information is? I would just like to do some more reading on the topic? Thanks.

[ShAgMaN]

Man, I had no idea zoa's could kill you...and I was asking for a frag kit for Christmas. I think I might stay away from zoo's.

I wonder how rare this is. Has anyone heard of someone actually dying?

[corruption]

Theres no recorded human fatalities from Palytoxin, but a few animals have perished due to carelessnes (frag water left too low, unattended)... Many stories of people becoming severely ill for a few days though -- usually by introduction through mucous membranes or via cuts on the hand.. the thing here isn't to be fearful, or avoid zoas/palys altogether, its simply to understand that there are dangers. Wear eye and hand protection, wash your hands once you're done fragging, and get rid of the waste waters you frag in quickly.... you should be just fine :)

Another thing to note here, while all zoas/palys contain the palytoxin (as well as a few other corals and anemones) -- the highest concentration seems to be found in specimen that are less colorful/attractive.. Just be safe people! :)

-Corruption