zootoxin

A zootoxin is a poison produced by an animal. Toxins, in general, are poisonous substances that can harm living organisms. While the term "toxin" can refer to any poison, it is often specifically used for poisons produced by living organisms, known as biotoxins.1

Biotoxins are produced by various life forms, including:
* Microorganisms like bacteria, dinoflagellates, and algae (microbial toxins)123
* Fungi (mycotoxins)12
* Higher plants (phytotoxins)12
* Animals (zootoxins)12

These toxins can serve various purposes for the organisms that produce them, such as defense against predators or competitors, or they may be metabolic byproducts. Some animals, like snakes and spiders, use toxins as part of their hunting mechanism, while others, like certain fish and shellfish, can become poisonous by consuming toxic plants or algae. These poisons can attack a consumer's nervous system, leading to severe illness or even death.12