Identify coral

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Looks like a common brown protopalythoa.
Their slime has a toxin in them called palytoxin. So, dont handle them with bare hands that have open wounds.
 

grant778

Member
If just a bit of the slime gets in a wound it can kill you. Palytoxins are one of the most dangerous poisons in nature. Palytoxins are found in some palythoas and some zoanthids.
 

bang guy

Moderator
Palytoxin isn't just one of the most dangerous, it is by far the most dangerous. #1 by a very wide margin. The first symptom of Palytoxin poisoning is death. Protopalythoa do not harbor Palytoxin though.

That said, I've been poisoned by Protopalythoa twice before I got rid of them. It's quite unpleasant whatever their toxins are.
 

shobby

Member
So they have dangerous toxins not the death sentence toxin, correct? I will be alright to move as long as I wear gloves or something or if I have no cuts on my hands. Thanks.
 

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
lol, I added in that little tidbit to show that you should handle with care and respect it... not for anyone else to be scared to death about touching a zoanthid or a palythoa. As with anything in our tanks, a certain degree of respect should be maintained.
 

bang guy

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by shobby http:///t/396335/identify-coral#post_3531160
So they have dangerous toxins not the death sentence toxin, correct? I will be alright to move as long as I wear gloves or something or if I have no cuts on my hands. Thanks.

Wear gloves when you can. I would suggest you always wear gloves but that may be overkill.
 
Top