Micromussa amakusensis Propagation Guide
Micromussa amakusensis is a small-polyped colonial acan; its tightly packed corallites are fragged on a band saw, with each compact polyp group healing on a plug.
Overview
Micromussa amakusensis is a small-polyped large-polyp stony coral in the family Lobophylliidae and one of the recognized species of the genus Micromussa, alongside Micromussa lordhowensis. Its corallites are smaller and more tightly packed than those of the larger acans, giving a compact colony of many closely set polyps.
Reproductive Mode
The coral is colonial, growing by adding corallites that each contain a polyp. Because the colony is modular, it propagates asexually when divided into pieces that each carry one or more polyps, exactly as with related acans.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Acans such as Micromussa are cut with a band saw around the polyps; a typical frag is about two to four polyps, though the small, dense corallites of this species allow neat compact frags. The base is cut flat and the frag is glued to a plug to heal and encrust, with the cut kept thick enough to spare the living polyp tissue.
Conditions for Propagation
Freshly cut frags recover best in a mature system with stable parameters, moderate flow and moderate light. Regular feeding supports tissue regrowth over the wound and onto the plug, while clean water limits infection at the cut.
Common Challenges
With small, tightly packed polyps, it is easy to cut into living tissue, and thin frags or poor water quality after cutting can cause recession or infection. Keeping frags in low flow until the wound seals improves survival.