[Melanie]

Neurotoxin Warning:

All species of Palythoa, and most related zoanthids including the Protopalythoa species, produce a chemical called PALYTOXIN in their mucus and gonads. Indigenous Pacific tribes used this neuromuscular agent to tip spears in order to paralyze prey animals and enemies. This is a potent toxin and can be deadly to humans. It is important to wear hand protection when touching these animals, especially if the handler has any breaks in his or her skin.

While many aquarists routinely handle corals, including zoanthids, without incident, it is still a very good idea to maintain a safe health protocol when working with these animals. Wearing gloves or making sure that no breaks in the skin are present is a start. (Aquarium Corals Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History, Eric H. Borneman pgs 182)