You could die in this hobby. Information Everyone Should Know

[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