Blastomussa wellsi Propagation Guide

How to propagate Blastomussa wellsi, the large-polyp pineapple blasto: fragging between polyps on its branching skeleton, with care to protect its delicate flesh.

Overview

Blastomussa wellsi is a large-polyp stony coral in the genus Blastomussa, sometimes kept in reef aquariums. It grows as a colony of fleshy, pineapple-like polyps, each seated on its own corallite stalk, with the individual heads connected by a shared tissue base. This colonial, branching arrangement is what makes the species suited to fragmentation.

Reproductive Mode

In aquaria Blastomussa wellsi is propagated asexually by fragmentation. Because the colony is built from separate polyp heads on individual corallite branches connected by tissue, it can be divided between heads into smaller pieces that each grow out into a new colony. It is a slow grower, so frags take time to fill in.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

Keep the colony fully submerged while handling, as the polyps must stay protected during the cut.
Identify the branching pattern; plan cuts so each frag keeps one or more polyps on its own skeleton.
Cut between the polyps, slicing as far below each head as possible so the polyp tissue is not damaged.
Use a rotary tool or a coral band saw rather than bone shears, since the skeleton is awkward to divide with cutters.
Glue each single-head frag to a plug and place it in low flow and low-to-moderate light to recover.

Slicing parallel to the surface of the polyps lets a denser colony separate into single-head frags.

Conditions for Propagation

Blastomussa is adaptable but recovers best in shaded, calm placement. Low to moderate lighting suits it, and it does not tolerate strong SPS-style flow. Stable temperature near 24-26 degrees Celsius, pH 8.1-8.4, and steady alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium support healing and new growth.

Common Challenges

Blastomussa has extremely sensitive flesh that is prone to infection if it is damaged, so any tear during fragging can invite tissue loss. Regular feeding helps frags recover and grow slightly faster, but the species remains a slow grower that rewards consistent, gentle care.