Acropora spicifera Propagation Guide
Fragging and propagation of Acropora spicifera, a spike-tipped small-polyp stony coral with elongated terminal corallites, increased by branch-tip cuttings in the reef aquarium.
Overview
Acropora spicifera is a small-polyp stony coral of the family Acroporidae, listed by WoRMS as an accepted species (Dana, 1846). It is recognised in the aquarium trade for spike-tipped branches with elongated terminal corallites, and is often imported from Australia. Like other Acropora it is a zooxanthellate coral whose tissues host symbiotic dinoflagellates that supply energy through photosynthesis.
Reproductive Mode
Acropora reproduce asexually and sexually. In aquaria A. spicifera is propagated by fragmentation, which preserves the symbiotic zooxanthellae and coloration of the parent. Wikipedia notes that captive propagation of Acropora is widespread in the reef-keeping community.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Cut or snap a spike branch tip of about 2-5 cm with bone-cutters and attach it to a frag plug with cyanoacrylate gel or epoxy. The axial corallite at the branch tip drives upward growth, so leaving the tip intact speeds recovery. Wikipedia reports finger-sized Acropora fragments can grow into medicine-ball-sized colonies in one to two years under good reef conditions.
Conditions for Propagation
Wikipedia states Acropora requires bright light, stable temperatures, regular calcium and alkalinity dosing, and clean turbulent water. Place spicifera frags under high light and strong flow with stable alkalinity, calcium and magnesium and low nutrients to encourage encrustation onto the plug and renewed branching.
Sexual Reproduction
In the wild Acropora reproduce by annual synchronised broadcast mass-spawning, releasing buoyant packets of eggs and sperm into the water column for external fertilisation. This is generally not reproduced in home aquaria, where fragmentation is the practical method.