I have heard the odd mention of Palytoxin here and there, but only in passing, and not how dangerous it can be. Having recently read the thread about the poor fellow and his wife hospitalized, I was genuinely shocked and I wish them a swift recovery. I have some questions about this stuff.
What species produce it? Just palythoas, or all zoanthids?
What causes them to release it, stress, damage? How to avoid causing it?
What precautions are necessary when working with them to avoid exposure?
Some google-fu tells me certain other corals and even inverts have it? If that is true, which ones?
Just how dangerous is this stuff? I'm sure it varies from person to person, and how much/long the exposure was, but judging by the thread, there's a decent bit of variation.
Lastly, are there any other venoms/poisons that we may encounter in this hobby to be concerned about? I've accidentally touched my BTA, and was tingly for an hour or so. I had a Dwarf lionfish, but was never stung, though have heard it's not so bad.
What species produce it? Just palythoas, or all zoanthids?
What causes them to release it, stress, damage? How to avoid causing it?
What precautions are necessary when working with them to avoid exposure?
Some google-fu tells me certain other corals and even inverts have it? If that is true, which ones?
Just how dangerous is this stuff? I'm sure it varies from person to person, and how much/long the exposure was, but judging by the thread, there's a decent bit of variation.
Lastly, are there any other venoms/poisons that we may encounter in this hobby to be concerned about? I've accidentally touched my BTA, and was tingly for an hour or so. I had a Dwarf lionfish, but was never stung, though have heard it's not so bad.