Fungia fungites (Mushroom Plate Coral) Propagation Guide
How the solitary plate coral Fungia fungites (Fungiidae) propagates: by anthocauli daughter polyps budding from a damaged skeleton, not by cutting one polyp into fragments.
Overview
Fungia fungites is a round, often dome-shaped solitary plate coral in the family Fungiidae; following a 2015 revision it is the single species retained in the genus Fungia. It is a free-living single polyp resting on the bottom, with a central mouth and radiating septa. It is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Being one polyp, it is propagated by regeneration rather than by cutting it into heads.
Reproductive Mode
Fungia fungites reproduces asexually: daughter polyps form, and offspring can develop from broken pieces, while the species also shows regeneration of damaged tissue. As a juvenile it attaches to rock and later detaches to become free-living, leaving the characteristic attachment scar. Sexual reproduction also occurs in the genus.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Propagation relies on the coral's ability to bud daughter polyps (anthocauli) from skeletal tissue and to regenerate. A damaged disc or a partly dead skeleton can sprout tiny new polyps, which grow and eventually detach as independent plates. Because broken pieces can also form offspring, an accidentally fractured Fungia may yield new polyps if left undisturbed in stable water rather than discarded.
Conditions for Propagation
- A soft sandbed so the free-living disc rests without tissue abrasion.
- Low to moderate flow matching its bottom-dwelling habit.
- Stable, clean water so a stressed disc regenerates instead of decaying.
- Patience and leaving any damaged skeleton in place for daughter polyps to emerge.
Sexual Reproduction
The genus also reproduces sexually, releasing gametes for external fertilisation; larvae settle and pass through the attached juvenile stage before becoming free-living. This route is not a practical aquarium propagation method.
Common Challenges
A solitary polyp has no backup heads, so heavy tissue loss can be fatal before any anthocauli form. Sitting on the sandbed, plate corals are also prone to abrasion and trapped detritus, both of which can trigger infection. Regeneration is slow and not guaranteed on demand.