Palythoa caribaeorum is a common Caribbean polyp species that packs the most lethal non-proteinaceous marine toxin known to man–palytoxin. Palytoxin is responsible for countless numb hands and tingling finger tips in aquarists. It is also responsible for deaths of many animals and it is estimated that just 5 micrograms can kill a humans. It is [...]
Palythoa caribaeorum is a common Caribbean polyp species that packs the most lethal non-proteinaceous marine toxin known to man–palytoxin. Palytoxin is responsible for countless numb hands and tingling finger tips in aquarists. It is also responsible for deaths of many animals and it is estimated that just 5 micrograms can kill a humans.
It is truly a deadly substance, yet fish like the French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru) and Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) can munch on P. caribaeorum and their palytoxin with ease.
A recent study from Francini-Filho and de Moura from the Universidade Estadual da Paraíba in Brazil, provides documentation of P. paru, P. arcuatus, as well as the Sargeant Major (Abudefduf saxatilis) and Whitespot Filefish (Cantherhines macrocerus) feeding on the deadly polyps. Prior to this, only 4 predators of P. caribaeorum have been confirmed in scientific literature. For angelfish this may be a natural extension of their already toxic diets (read: marine sponges), but interesting nonetheless. It also serves as a reminder to aquarists that your favorite Cinnamon Paly or Purple People Eaters are likely palatable to your paunchy Pomacanthus.
–
PREDATION ON THE TOXIC ZOANTHID Palythoa caribaeorum BY REEF FISHES IN THE ABROLHOS BANK, EASTERN BRAZIL [PDF]
Related Posts
- Reef News | Euro Reef to Release Alloy Meshwheel, External Supermarin?, French Angelfish gets Hernia Surgery, Warner Marine Elite K8
- New Study Highlights Captive Breeding of Angelfish
- New Bandit Angelfish Variant Discovered at D.C. Aquarium
- RCT is Back, Angelfish Broodstock in House
- Shepardi Angelfish Hits the U.S.
