Caulastrea curvata Propagation Guide
Propagating Caulastraea curvata, a curved-corallite trumpet coral: a hardy branching LPS fragged easily by separating its compact bouquet of heads onto plugs.
Overview
Caulastraea curvata is a recognised species of trumpet coral in the family Merulinidae, named for its curved corallites and often forming compact bouquets, frequently metallic green with a pink mouth. Like other Caulastrea it grows as a phaceloid colony of separate corallite heads on stalk-like branches and is a hardy, beginner-friendly LPS that is easy to frag.
Reproductive Mode
Aquarium propagation is asexual by fragmentation. Branching corals like Caulastrea are the easiest LPS to frag because the heads sit on separate branches that only need to be separated from each other.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
- Locate the branch stalks within the compact bouquet of heads.
- Separate the branches with coral cutters, or use a band saw for a flatter edge.
- Cut into singles or doubles and shave the base flat so each frag stands upright.
- Glue each frag to a plug.
- Set frags in low flow and medium light to recover and bud new heads.
The curved, compact growth means heads can be tightly grouped, so plan cuts on the connecting skeleton to keep each frag whole.
Conditions for Propagation
Hold temperature around 24-26 degrees Celsius and pH 8.1-8.4 with stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. As a Caulastrea, it tolerates a wide PAR and flow range, so low to moderate flow and medium light suit fresh frags; light feeding aids recovery.
Sexual Reproduction
Sexual reproduction occurs on the reef and is not used in the hobby. The consulted sources do not document captive spawning, so propagation relies on fragmentation and natural budding of new corallites.
Common Challenges
Curvata is a passive, peaceful coral, so aggression is rarely a concern. The compact bouquet can place heads close together, so cut precisely on the bare branch to avoid damaging a neighbouring corallite, and keep fresh cuts clean to prevent infection.