Corals & Anemones: What can hurt humans? Open Discussion :-)

dutchswan

dutchswan

Member
My 1st coral was Anthelia, which appear to be harmless. I have since added Goniopora, a Zoanthid frag, and a Bubble-Tip Anemone to my tank. As I start to get into the area of corals that includes toxins, I thought it might be good to learn what I should watch out for. I would hate to need a trip to the emergency room (or even die) if I get into something I shouldn't, or am not using appropriate precautions. I intend for this thread to be an open discussion from everyone's experiences. Thanks in advance for participating!
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member
Most corals sold in the trade are mild threats to are health. Bacterial infection is the big danger the use of a glove like Aqua Gloves and proper washing is the best method to avoid any issue...
People that have allergic reactions should use gloves as they are more likely to react badly to the stings we may get.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
Where gloves when handling corals. Where gloves/mask/goggles when fragging zoanthids. Always wash hands/arms after being in the tank, especially if you have any open wounds. I had a papercut get very, very infected just from constantly having my hand in the tank, ended up on antibiotics for weeks.
 
longislandmike

longislandmike

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackjacktang http:///forum/thread/383494/corals-anemones-what-can-hurt-humans-open-discussion#post_3354832
i would think the only way you could die form zoas is if you eat them..very unlikly. Now im afraid of them

Yeah, It would be bad if you eat them, but if they spray in your eye it would be the same thing. Always where goggles and wash your hands good when fragging them. I know guys who will only frag them in water so they wont spay on there shirt or in there eye. If it sprays on your shirt and your dog licks it or a kid touches it and puts there hands in there mouth, it could be very bad.
 
monsinour

monsinour

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by dutchswan http:///forum/thread/383494/corals-anemones-what-can-hurt-humans-open-discussion#post_3354422
My 1st coral was Anthelia, which appear to be harmless. I have since added Goniopora, a Zoanthid frag, and a Bubble-Tip Anemone to my tank. As I start to get into the area of corals that includes toxins, I thought it might be good to learn what I should watch out for. I would hate to need a trip to the emergency room (or even die) if I get into something I shouldn't, or am not using appropriate precautions. I intend for this thread to be an open discussion from everyone's experiences. Thanks in advance for participating!
well, I am a newb so I will share my experiences.
I have touched my bubble coral a few times and didnt feel a thing. I have had the pulsing xenia touch me with no ill effects. Even my gorg's polyps dont do a thing to me. I have a torch now, but I havent played with it. The duncans didnt like me touching them but i didnt feel anything. The only thing that feels bad is when the clowns go to bite my ring and miss. When they get me, it tickles but doesnt hurt, yet. The cleaner shrimp, skunk, when it cleans me, feels wierd. Doesnt hurt, but feels like a big spider on my hand. Takes all I have to not smash it against the glass. I really dont think I would touch an anemone on purpose, but i would wear gloves.
When I fragged my zoas, i wore gloves and glasses. I didnt have a mask to put on.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
I'm surprised you didn't feel anything from the bubble coral, they have a lovely little sting, especially if it's at night and the feeder tentacles are out. I've been stung by a few of my anemones. BTA's aren't too bad, Carpets are terrible, Condy's are painful, but bearable. You think i would have learned my lesson after an infection, but I still rarely remember to put gloves on before sticking my hands in the tank. If I'm handing a lot of live rock, gloves go on.
 
monsinour

monsinour

Active Member
the bubble was really cool to touch. I was more nervous securing it to the rock than when I go to feed it. I have to admit, I might have only touched the bubbles and not the feeding tentacles. Now my curiosity is peaked. Maybe when I feed it tomorrow night, I will let myself get stung, whats the worse that could happen to a guy with no health insurance? LOL
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383494/corals-anemones-what-can-hurt-humans-open-discussion#post_3354862
the bubble was really cool to touch. I was more nervous securing it to the rock than when I go to feed it. I have to admit, I might have only touched the bubbles and not the feeding tentacles. Now my curiosity is peaked. Maybe when I feed it tomorrow night, I will let myself get stung, whats the worse that could happen to a guy with no health insurance? LOL
LOL, you are braver than I am. I won't go near my bubble anymore (but I'm a whimpy girl!)
 
lbannie

lbannie

Member
I got stung/bit (not sure) by a bristle worm. Felt like a bunch of splinters that you can't see or get out! Very irritating! Gloves go on now when I move the rocks! I bought a box of those gloves you would use for cows that go up to your shoulder, not so waterproof, but they work! I'm going to get a set of those aquagloves when my box runs out!
 
S

smartorl

Guest
There is no thought that brings a bigger cringe than the day I was getting a coral out from under my huge carpet and it wrapped around my arm and clung, stinging me like crazy. I had handled several of my anemones before and never felt a noticable sting.
Now I am super cautious.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by lbannie http:///forum/thread/383494/corals-anemones-what-can-hurt-humans-open-discussion#post_3354916
I got stung/bit (not sure) by a bristle worm. Felt like a bunch of splinters that you can't see or get out! Very irritating! Gloves go on now when I move the rocks! I bought a box of those gloves you would use for cows that go up to your shoulder, not so waterproof, but they work! I'm going to get a set of those aquagloves when my box runs out!
I just buy cheapo rubber gloves, and tie a rubberband around my wrist
 
longislandmike

longislandmike

Member
There is an anemone called Hell's fire anemone. These anemones are so named 'stinging sea anemones' because of their capacity to sting humans badly. Although all anemones have stinging cells or nematocyst found in their tentacles, these anemones have a dangerous sting that is extremely powerful and is very painful.
 
blackjacktang

blackjacktang

Active Member
A while ago wen i still had my 30G tank i found a REALLY big bristle worm and my dad was like "lets take it out" so sure enough he grabs the worm and im like, "u know that going to hurt right"? And 5 minutes later his finger got numb.I have never been stungs my an anenome...im kinda afraid to lol
 
longislandmike

longislandmike

Member
There is also the hitch hikers you have to watch out for. You can get a blue ring octopus as a hitch hiker on live rock. They are very deadly, with no known antidote. This is a little about them I got on the web encyclopedia (The blue-ringed octopus, despite its small size, carries enough venom to kill 26 adult humans within minutes. Furthermore, their bites are tiny and often painless, with many victims not realizing they have been envenomated until respiratory depression and paralysis start to set in.)
There was one at my local fish store about a month ago, there were selling him for $65, I took a picture with my phone.
 
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