Hi my name is Terry and I just finished reading this post. I'm not sure how much help I'll be now that Bev has already sought medical attention, but I will post the following information from "Eric H. Borneman's - Aquarium Corals, Selection, Husbandry and Natural History".
"Soft corals that already have some physical defenses to predation, such as sharp spicules and retractable polyps, generally prove less toxic (or as toxic) as those without physical defenses. Still, exceptions are common, with Lemnalia and Sarcophyton species consistently very high in toxicity and Cladiella, Capnella and Anthelia species being consistently low.
The post mentioned that Bev didn't work with Zoo's, but I thought it would be prudent to also post the following warning from his book for any one else attempting zoo fragmentation.
"NEUROTOXIN WARNING
All species of Palythoa, and most related zoanthids including the Protopalythva species, produce achernical called palytoxin in their mucus and gonads. Indigenous Pacific tribes used this neuromuscular agent to tip speats in order to paralyze prey animals and enemies. This is a potent toxin and can be deadly to humans. Certain fishes that prey on zoanthids, like filefishes, may even be responsible for bringing palytoxin into the food chain.
The heavy mucus coat of these species must be treated with great respect. It is important to wear hand protection when touching these animals—especially if the handler has any breaks in his or her skin.
An aquarist from Washington once contacted me for the name of a marine medical facility. He had been feeling very ill for several days after handling some Protopa-lythoa. polyps and was concerned about the possibility of palytoxin poisoning. I gave him the number of several contacts, but felt that if it were palytoxin, he probably wouldn't have been able to communicate with me. As it turns out, he had acquired a Vibrio infection, probably from the extensive populations of Vibrio that inhabit coral mucus. Another aquarist inadvertently put his fingers in his mouth after handling Palythna polyps. His mouth became numb, and for some time afterward he experienced a metallic aftertaste. He may have been very fortunate to escape with such minor symptoms.
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. Proper hand-washing, even using a bactericidal soap (such as Hibi-clens), is also a good precaution."
References:
Aquarium Corals Selection, Husbandry and Natural History
Eric H. Borneman
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