Maui Rock Anemone: The Most Potent Toxic Rock Organism
The Maui rock anemone, a species of sea anemone found on Maui, Hawaii, possesses a neurotoxin called palytoxin. This toxin is said to be 250 to 500 times more potent than that of the Inland Taipan, considered the world’s most venomous snake. Its appearance resembles a rock, posing a risk of accidental contact on the coast.
There have been reported cases of college students being hospitalized just by swimming near a colony of these anemones, making them highly dangerous due to their presence in shallow waters. While similar rock anemone species exist in Japan, no major incidents have occurred to date. Nevertheless, extreme caution is advised when entering the ocean.
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