Acanthastrea hillae (Homophyllia bowerbanki) Propagation Guide
Acanthastrea hillae was reclassified into Homophyllia bowerbanki in 2016; this colonial LPS is fragged on a band saw between corallites, each polyp group becoming a frag.
Overview
Acanthastrea hillae is a large-polyp stony coral in the family Lobophylliidae, popular in the hobby as a fleshy acan. In a 2016 taxonomic revision the corals formerly called Acanthastrea hillae and Acanthastrea bowerbanki were reclassified into the genus Homophyllia and treated as a single species, Homophyllia bowerbanki, because the size of corallites and differences in colour and tissue used to separate them were deemed insufficient to define distinct species.
Reproductive Mode
Whatever name is applied, the coral is colonial, growing by adding corallites that each house a polyp. This colonial, modular form is what allows asexual propagation by cutting the colony into multi-polyp pieces.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Like other acans, it is fragged with a band saw cut around the polyps, with a typical frag of about two to four polyps. The underside is cut flat and the piece is glued to a frag plug to heal and encrust, keeping the cut thick enough to avoid the living polyp tissue.
Conditions for Propagation
A mature system with stable parameters, moderate flow and moderate light supports recovery of cut frags. Targeted feeding accelerates encrusting onto the plug, and clean water lowers the chance of infection at the wound.
Common Challenges
Cutting into living tissue, too-thin frags, and declining water quality after cutting can lead to tissue recession or infection. Settling frags in low flow until the wound seals improves survival.