Ashlar posted on December 13, 2006 08:26
The story goes something like this:
The small fishing village near Hana Bay on the island of Maui had suffered another loss. When the fishing canoes came back in, another fisherman was missing. The distraught villagers laid the blame on the strange hunchbacked hermit who lived in a cave on the mountain.
The villagers swarmed the cave, and when they ripped the cloak from the hermit, they found glistening grey skin and rows of triangular teeth- the villagers had captured a shark demon. Indeed it was he who would go to the water each morning and sate his taste for human flesh on the fishermen. In a rage, the villagers tore the demon to pieces, burned them, and scattered the ashes in a tide pool near Hana Bay.
But the wrath of the demon was not to end there. Shortly after, a brown anemone like creature started to grow in the tide pool. Later it was discovered that these little creatures, when smeared on the points of spears or knives, would cause instant death- perpetrating the curse of the shark demon. Thus the "Limu Make O Hana" (Seaweed of Death from Hana) legend was born.
What we now know is that the little creatures are palythoa toxica and they pack what is the most powerful toxin in the animal kingdom. Five micrograms (about half a grain of rice) is enough to kill a full grown man.
In the years since, palytoxin has been found in various species of zoanthids and palythoa, in varying concentrations. The widespread distribution of this toxin in so many species warrants general caution for aquarists handling almost any of these species.
Introduction of these toxins usually occurs in one of two ways. Open sores or cuts can allow the toxin into the bloodstream, and since the toxin is very soluble in water, they can also enter the bloodstream through mucous membranes. Symptoms of exposure include numbness, tachycardia (increased heart rate), chest pain, and respiratory distress. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
As an aquarist handling these species, there are a few precautions that should be taken to minimize the chance of palytoxin poisoning. Always wear gloves when handling these species for any length of time- especially if you’re propagating them. Never touch your mouth or eyes while working with them. If you’re doing a lot of propagating, consider getting a face shield to keep liquids from splashing into your eyes or mouth (at the very least consider safety glasses.) And finally, thoroughly wash your hands and any instruments or containers that you use to propagate these species with hot soapy water- the toxin can remain potent even after it dries, as shown by the Hawaiian knives and spears.