Paraglab Torch Care Guide
Paraglab Torch (Euphyllia paraglabrescens) is a LPS coral. Care covers 75-175 PAR, medium flow, reef parameters and feeding; advanced level.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Paraglab Torch (Euphyllia paraglabrescens) is a LPS coral in the family Euphylliidae. Wall-growing torch relative with shorter tentacles and a thick fleshy skeleton. Produces designer-grade Japanese specimens.
Taxonomy
- Family: Euphylliidae
- Genus: Euphyllia
- Scientific name: Euphyllia paraglabrescens
- Common synonyms: Paraglab, Walling Torch
Habitat
In the wild, Euphyllia paraglabrescens is reported from Japan, Indo-Pacific, where it occupies mid to lower reef slopes and lagoons (typically 5-30 m). The species adopts a massive growth form on hard substrate within zooxanthellate reef communities.
Tank requirements
- Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.03 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 5 ppm
- Minimum system age: 6 months
Placement and lighting
- PAR (placement zone): 75-175 PAR
- Water flow: medium
Mount this LPS coral on the lower or mid rockwork or on the sand bed (for free-living forms) where light is moderate. Strong direct flow can damage the fleshy tissue; aim for indirect, varied movement.
Feeding
Euphyllia paraglabrescens hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and derives most of its energy through photosynthesis. Supplemental target feeding accelerates growth and supports colouration; commonly accepted items include mysis, reef-roids, amino-acids. Feed once or twice per week after lights-out, when polyps are extended.
Compatibility
This coral is aggressive toward neighbours. It extends sweeper tentacles capable of stinging adjacent corals, so leave generous spacing (10-20 cm) between colonies. Reef-safe with most fish and invertebrates.
Care notes
Difficulty level: advanced. Reported skeletal growth in well-tuned reef tanks is approximately 0.1-0.3 cm/month. Propagation by fragmentation is straightforward for massive colonies — separate branches or polyps with a bone cutter, glue to plug, allow 1-2 weeks for healing. Maintain stable alkalinity (avoid swings above ±0.5 dKH per day) to preserve tissue health.
Euphyllia paraglabrescens Propagation Guide
Overview
Euphyllia paraglabrescens is a recognised species of large-polyped stony coral in the family Euphylliidae, closely allied to the torch coral E. glabrescens. Compared with the branching torch, it presents as a wall-like form with shorter tentacles and a thick, fleshy skeleton, and designer specimens are associated with Japanese waters. It grows slowly.
Reproductive Mode
Aquarium propagation is asexual, by fragmentation of the skeleton. Because the colony is more wall-like and fleshy than a clearly branching torch, fragging means dividing a section of the colony along the skeleton rather than simply snapping off separated heads, which makes it less straightforward than fragging a branching Euphyllia.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
- Choose a section of the colony that includes one or more mouths so the frag can sustain itself.
- Cut through the skeleton with a band saw, which gives the cleanest edge on a thick fleshy skeleton, or coral cutters where the skeleton allows.
- Work to minimise torn flesh along the cut line.
- Dip the frag to remove pests before mounting.
- Mount on a plug in low flow and medium light, and allow extended healing because the species grows slowly.
Given its slow growth and thick skeleton, paraglabrescens is fragged less casually than branching torches, and colonies need longer to rebuild between divisions.
Conditions for Propagation
Hold temperature around 24-26 degrees Celsius and pH 8.1-8.4 with stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium for skeleton repair. Medium light and moderate flow support healing of the cut margin.
Sexual Reproduction
Sexual reproduction takes place on the reef and is not a hobby propagation route. Captive spawning of E. paraglabrescens is not documented in the consulted sources, so aquarists rely on fragmentation.
Common Challenges
Like other Euphyllia, this species extends stinging sweeper tentacles and needs clearance from neighbouring corals. The thick fleshy skeleton makes a clean cut harder, and freshly cut Euphyllia tissue is prone to brown jelly, which can spread rapidly between corallites and to other Euphyllia.