Saxitoxin

Saxitioxin is harbored in puffer fish, rendering the fish quite poisonous.

Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₂₃N₇O₄

Other names: Saxitoxin ethyl hemiketal dihydrochloride monohydrate

Layman's explanation: The toxin found in the fish is known as Saxitioxin. The compound is a neurotoxin, causing numbness and tingling in the lips when ingested, and may lead to paralysis and death if untreated. This toxin is produced by the bacteria Gonyaulax Monilata, found in Dinoflagellate algae. In the United States, there have been a number of poisonings in Florida in people who ingested puffer fish from local waters.

Keywords: neurotoxin, poisonous, Dinoflagellate algae

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