Capnella imbricata Propagation Guide

Propagating the Kenya tree coral Capnella imbricata, which self-fragments by dropping rooting branchlets, plus manual cutting methods.

Overview

Capnella imbricata, the Kenya tree coral, is a tree-shaped soft coral in the family Nephtheidae (genus established by Gray in 1869). It has a thick trunk with branches that resemble a tree, and colony shape responds to current: stronger flow produces flatter colonies with shorter branches. It hosts symbiotic algae from which it obtains most of its nutrients, and is found across the Indo-Pacific on reef slopes, shaded areas and coral rubble.

Reproductive Mode

Asexual reproduction has been observed in Capnella. Colonies form a distinctive swelling at the base of a branch, and the branch then drops off by fission at that swelling. The coral also reattaches by bending and creeping onto rock surfaces and by basal division. Detached fragments secure quickly, becoming firmly rooted within a day.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

Because the coral drops its own branches, propagation often needs no tools: a naturally shed branch can simply be placed where it should grow. To frag deliberately, cut a branch with a sharp blade and secure it to a plug, rock, or shell, for example with a rubber band, until it roots, which happens fast given how readily detached pieces anchor.

Use a naturally dropped branch, or cut one with a sharp blade.
Set the branch on a plug, rock, or shell in low flow.
Secure it with a rubber band if it will not stay put.
Expect firm rooting within roughly a day.

Conditions for Propagation

Low flow keeps shed and cut branches in place long enough to anchor, and stable mature water supports recovery. Once rooted, the coral can sit in its preferred light and moderate current.

Common Challenges

The self-fragmenting habit can make Capnella spread faster than intended, scattering rooting branchlets through the tank, so some aquarists treat the weedy strain as something to prune back. Collecting dropped branches before they settle in unwanted spots keeps growth controlled.