Litophyton fungicum Propagation Guide

Propagating the tree-form soft coral Litophyton fungicum (Nephtheidae) by cutting branches, with attachment and recovery notes.

Overview

Litophyton fungicum is a tree-form soft coral in the family Nephtheidae (genus described by Forskål in 1775; the genus carries the synonyms Nephthea and Nephthya). It grows as a bushy, tree-like colony. Within the same family as the Kenya tree corals, it is propagated in the aquarium by the asexual methods common to branching soft corals.

Reproductive Mode

Propagation in captivity is asexual, by cutting branches that each regrow into a new colony. As a branching soft coral it readily yields cuttings, and any healthy soft coral can be fragged in this way.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

Cut a branch around its base with coral cutters, including a small piece of rock where possible so there is a solid surface to bond to and the soft tissue does not slough off the glue. Dry the base and the plug before gluing, or hold the cutting with a rubber band; an unattached frag can also be set into crushed coral or shell in low flow and glued once it has gripped.

1. Cut a branch at the base, ideally with a chip of rock.
2. Baste off any slime the coral releases.
3. Dry the base, then glue or band the frag to a plug.
4. Keep the frag in low flow until it attaches.

Conditions for Propagation

Low flow during the first days lets the adhesive cure and the cut close. After the frag is anchored, light and current can be brought up toward the colony's normal moderate requirements.

Common Challenges

As with other soft corals, slime released during cutting can interfere with glue, so taking a piece of rock or banding the frag improves the hold. A freshly cut colony may stay contracted for a few days while it heals, which is expected.