Scientific Understanding: Toxin Type: Ostracitoxin, a hemolytic and neurotoxic compound Release Mechanism: Specialized skin glands activated by stress, trauma, or threat Concentration Effect: Closed aquarium systems cannot dilute the toxin like natural reef environments Lethality: Can kill all fish in the system, including the boxfish itself Trigger Conditions for Toxin Release Experienced aquarists who have witnessed ostracitoxin releases report these common trigger scenarios: Stress-Induced Triggers: Aggressive tank mates harassing or nipping at the boxfish Sudden water parameter changes (temperature, salinity, pH swings) Poor water quality (ammonia, nitrite spikes, low oxygen) Overcrowding or inadequate swimming space Bright lighting changes or equipment failures Disease or parasitic infections Physical Trauma Triggers: Capture attempts or handling stress Collisions with tank equipment or rockwork Injuries from aggressive tank mates Getting trapped in equipment or rockwork Death-Related Release: Natural death from old age, disease, or any cause The dying process itself can trigger massive toxin release Toxin Effects and Timeline Toxin Impact Sequence: Minutes 1-30: Initial toxin dispersal throughout system Hours 1-4: Fish begin showing neurological symptoms (erratic swimming, gasping) Hours 4-12: Mass mortality begins affecting all tank inhabitants Hours 12-24: Complete system collapse in most cases Survival Factors: Larger water volumes may dilute toxin enough for some fish to survive, but recovery is rare and system damage is typically extensive

The only real difference in size in this regard is with treble hooks
Yes, the agarose can be prepared directly in the SYBR Safe DNA gel stain (it may be heated in microwave)
I also use the #20 hi-viz yellow to a fluorocarbon leader on some of my finesse spinning setups, can't say enough good things about it
We are looking forward to using it for Tog fishing, spot lock, along a sea wall in 60ft of water