Can Zoanthids kill Clown Fish?

I was watching my recently adquired pair of juvenile Clown Fish when I noticed one of them went picking at a green-blue Zoanthid species I collected from the Caribbean Ocean.

I went out of the room for maybe 30 minutes to find that Clown Fish having seizures-like behaviour. The fish was somewhat "curving" and having erratic swimming patterns. It died within minutes, probably one hour after I saw it picking the Zoanthids.

The other Clown Fish is doing well, as is the Mandarin Dragonet.

Is it possible that the Zoanthid species toxins killed the Clown Fish? I know sudden/unexplained death happen in this hobby. This pair was still in quarantine (in the Main Tank since they are the first inhabitants). What are your thoughts?

Pepetj
Santo Domingo

 

It is very possible. Zoanthid/Palythoa toxin is some of the most potent in the world and can kill humans. There have been many reports on the reef boards of pets like cats or dogs dying after licking something that was used to frag zoas. Always work with caution around these, wash your hands after you are done in the tank, and wear gloves when possible.

 

I wouldn't be surprised. I used to have some similiar problems with my Tomato Clowns picking at zoos and mushroom polyps. Caused some weird issues.
I asked about it on wetwebmedia a few years ago and got their usual cryptic answer but they did basically confirm this.
The palytoxins are some potent stuff.

 

I found the other Clown Fish dead in the morning.

I removed the Zoanthid species from the main tank. Considering setting a Pico for it... otherwise I will return it to its place of origin (going there later in the afternoon).

I had to lie to my daughter (she's 5 years old) and tell her I had an electric leak around the tank (whatever that means!) so I kept the lights off and run to the LFS to get another pair of Clown Fish (lucky me there were only three left). She might found out when she is old enough to join Fishlore since this will be our secret.

Pepetj
Santo Domingo

 

Are zoas toxic to fish only if they eat them?? Or can they just be stung and killed while swimming too close?? And is it all Zoas or just certain types??

 

Usually only if ingested. To my knowledge all Zoas have some sort of toxin, but the potency varies for each variety. Humans should be relatively safe as long as you don't work with them with cuts on your hands or eat them. I always wear gloves when fragging them, but always pick them up bare handed and move them around the tank.

 

Usually only if ingested. To my knowledge all Zoas have some sort of toxin, but the potency varies for each variety. Humans should be relatively safe as long as you don't work with them with cuts on your hands or eat them. I always wear gloves when fragging them, but always pick them up bare handed and move them around the tank.

I'll pay some one if they eat a colony zoa. lol jk

Is there any other possibilities other than the zoas? What kind do you have? I've never had any problems with them in my experience so dar.