Euphyllia paraglabrescens Propagation Guide

Propagating Euphyllia paraglabrescens, a wall-growing torch relative with a thick fleshy skeleton: dividing the colony skeleton, with sweeper-tentacle and brown-jelly cautions.

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.