Distribution and sequestration of palytoxin in coral reef animals

In the reefs off the Colombian coast (Caribbean Sea) and around Lizard Isla nd, Australia (Pacific), palytoxin (PTX), which has been detected in zoanth id species of the genus Palythoa, also occurred in various other marine org anisms living in close association with zoanthid colonies, e.g. sponges (Po rifera), soft corals (Alcyonaria), gorgonians (Gorgonaria), mussels, and cr ustaceans. Predators, e.g. polychaete worms (Hermodice carunculata), a star fish (Acanthaster planci) and fish (Chaetodon species) feeding on Palythoa colonies, accumulate high toxin concentrations in their organs, where PTX i s stored in its active form. The high level of toxin tolerance observed in marine animals may enable the wide distribution of PTX in marine biota and its transport and sequestration in food chains. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science L td. All rights reserved.