Indo Torch (Euphyllia glabrescens) Propagation Guide

Propagating the Indonesian morph of Euphyllia glabrescens torch coral: dividing the phaceloid branching skeleton into single heads, with notes on sweeper-tentacle aggression and brown-jelly risk.

Overview

The Indo torch is the widely traded Indonesian form of Euphyllia glabrescens, a large-polyped stony coral of the family Euphylliidae. Like all torches it builds a phaceloid skeleton of tubular corallites about 20-30 mm across, set on separate branches 15-30 mm apart. The Indo form is typically faster growing than Australian morphs, which means colonies reach fraggable size sooner.

Reproductive Mode

Aquarium propagation of Euphyllia glabrescens is asexual, by fragmentation. Each head sits on its own branch of skeleton, so a multi-head colony can be split into single-head frags that regrow independently. The branching skeleton is the trait that makes torches relatively straightforward to frag among LPS corals.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

1. Wait until the colony has several heads on clearly separated branches before fragging.
2. Locate the bare skeleton between heads and cut there with coral cutters or, for a flatter edge, a band saw.
3. Keep the cut on the skeleton, not through the polyp flesh.
4. Dip the frags to clear hitchhiking pests before mounting.
5. Mount each single-head frag on a plug in gentle flow and medium light until the cut tissue heals.

Because the Indo form grows faster than aussie torches, fragged heads tend to fill out and become ready for the next round of propagation in a comparatively short time.

Conditions for Propagation

Hold temperature around 24-26 degrees Celsius and pH between 8.1 and 8.4, with stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium for skeleton growth. Medium flow and medium light support healing and tentacle extension once the frag settles.

Sexual Reproduction

Sexual reproduction in this species takes place on the reef and is not a practical route for hobbyists. The consulted sources do not document captive spawning of Euphyllia glabrescens, so propagation relies entirely on fragmentation.

Common Challenges

Torches extend long sweeper tentacles with potent stinging cells that can damage neighbouring corals, so frags must be spaced generously. Cut tissue is prone to brown jelly, a fast-spreading ciliate infection that can move between corallites and to nearby Euphyllia; standard practice is to frag away and discard the affected tissue.