Tag Archives: Zoanthid Coral

Toxic corals can endanger livestock and humans. Zoanthid corals are popular for reef tanks, but they are also notorious for what’s known as palytoxin poisoning.

admin    July 31, 2020   CATEGORY: Reef Aquariums

Toxic Corals in the Aquarium Hobby: Zoanthids and Palytoxin Poisoning

All corals are beautiful. Once you really look past the pretty, colorful surface, however, you’ll see some of them have a dark side. Reef tanks need corals for many reasons, but choose your corals carefully. There are many toxic corals that can endanger not only the other inhabitants in the aquarium, but humans as well.

Among the most lethal beauties are some species of zoanthid corals.

Zoanthid corals are popular for reef tanks, but they are also notorious for what’s known as palytoxin poisoning.

Imagine a skunk. Its appearance is charming in a way, but if it feels threatened, you know what will happen. In fact, the whole neighborhood will know.

The same concept applies to certain species of zoanthid corals. When they feel threatened, they let out a toxin that is potentially lethal to humans. It might not smell so bad, or at all, but it’s poisonous nonetheless.

Some species of zoanthids are toxic corals. A white encrusting zoanthid is shown here.

There have been several cases of palytoxin poisoning from zoanthid corals around the world. In humans, palytoxin can cause a severe respiratory reaction, and it can burs skin and eyes on contact.

In fact, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution publication reported that an entire family became ill after the mother used a toothbrush to scrap off some algae on the coral in her saltwater aquarium.

When she brushed the coral, it released palytoxin, one of the deadliest poisons known to man, into the air. Within an hour, everyone in the household had what was described as flu symptoms, but worse. They were hospitalized, and five of the fish in the tank died.

The poisons exist in the coral as protection from predators in nature. According to researchers, just one gram of the poison can kill 100 mice. In humans, palytoxin can cause a severe respiratory reaction, hemorrhaging, and death if ingested, and it burns skin and eyes on contact.

There have been several cases of palytoxin poisoning from zoanthid corals around the world.

For that reason, you should avoid handling potentially toxic corals with your bare hands. If you must handle them, wear protective gloves and a face mask. Otherwise, let them be, or choose a different kind of coral for your saltwater reef tank.

TAGS: Palytoxin Poisoning, Reef Tank, Toxic Coral, Zoanthid Coral,

admin    November 24, 2018   CATEGORY: Aquarium Maintenance ,Livestock ,Saltwater Aquariums

Our Favorite Types of Coral for Saltwater Aquariums

Beautiful coral is one of our favorite elements of saltwater aquariums. The fact that they vary so extensively by nature is fascinating, and the colors, shapes, and details add exciting color and character to your fish tank. Because so many types of coral for saltwater aquariums exist, swapping them or adding new ones into your tank is a fun way to redesign your aquarium and give it a new look.

If you’re a new hobbyist, you probably want some of everything. At the same time, the many categories and subcategories of coral can be very confusing and overwhelming.

We’ll help you narrow it down with our list of the best types of coral for saltwater aquariums.

Best Types of Coral for Saltwater Aquariums

1. Leather Corals

Leather corals are suitable for all kinds of light and water qualities, and they are available in virtually every color under the rainbow.

Varieties of leather corals include:

  • Toadstool Leather
  • Long Polyping Leather
  • Rasta Leather
  • Yellow Fiji Finger Leather
  • Blue Devils Finger Leather

2. Mushroom Corals

Mushroom corals are strong and grow in many shapes and colors. They are fairly aggressive, so they’ll need a lot of space.

Some types of mushroom corals are:

  • Lavender Mushroom
  • Green Fluorescent Mushroom
  • Bullseye Rhodactis Mushroom
  • Spotted Mushroom
  • Mushroom Anemones
  • Disc Anemones

3. Euphyllia Corals

Euphyllia hammer coral is one of our favorite types of coral for saltwater aquariums. We love their color, and they are sturdy enough to last. For aquarium design and fish tank installation services, contact Seatech Aquariums.

Euphyllia Hammer Coral

Corals in the Euphyllia family are among our favorite for their vivid color and fascinating appearance, and they are easy to maintain. They have a variety of colors and do very well in reef aquariums.

Our favorites include:

  • Hammer Coral
  • Frogspawn
  • Torch Coral

4. Gorgonians, also known as Alcyonacea

Gorgonian Sea Fan and Soft Coral are pictured underwater. They are among the favorite types of coral for saltwater aquariums.

Gorgonian Sea Fan and Soft Coral

Gorgonians resemble tree branches or twigs. The soft coral is also known by the term sea fan or sea whip, and the individual polyps form colonies that can be several feet high.

Types of gorgonians include:

  • Red Gorgonian
  • Purple Bush Sea Fan
  • Encrusting Gorgonian
  • Bushy Sea Rod
  • Pacific Encrusting Gorgonian

5. Zoanthid Corals

Zoanthid are among the top types of coral for saltwater aquariums.

White Encrusting Zoanthid

Zoanthid corals are polyp corals that do very well in reef aquariums, and we love the flair they add to aquarium designs.

Some types are:

  • Rastas
  • Super Metallic Blue
  • Amazing Superman
  • Golden Oranges
  • Eyes of Jupiter

6. Small Polyp Stony Coral

Stony corals within the SPS family are also among the corals we prefer to use in our aquarium designs. They are strong, easy to work with, and a beautiful addition to your saltwater aquarium.

Some of our favorites include:

  • Branching Acropora
  • Montipora Capricornis

Contact Seatech for Saltwater Aquarium Design

If you need help determining the best types of coral for your saltwater aquarium, contact Seatech Aquariums. We’ll help you create or redesign a beautiful, colorful, and vibrant environment for your wildlife.

 

The best types of coral for saltwater aquariums will last a long time and beautify your fish tank. Contact our aquarium maintenance technician if your aquarium needs a redesign, for general aquarium maintenance services in the greater Phoenix area, or to have a fish tank installed.

 

TAGS: Alcyonacea, Aquarium Design, Best Coral, coral, Euphyllia Corals, Gorgonian, Leather Coral, Mushroom Coral, phoenix aquarium maintenance, Reef Aquarium, Saltwater Aquarium, Small Polyp Stony Coral, Zoanthid Coral,