Aussie Grandis Paly Propagation Guide

How to propagate the Australian large-polyped Grandis-type Palythoa by dividing the colonial clusters, with strict palytoxin safety precautions.

Overview

Aussie Grandis Paly is a premium Australian Palythoa (family Sphenopidae) of the large-polyped Grandis type, with an intense red-pink skirt and green mouth. Like other Palythoa its polyps sit on a colonial coenenchyme mat, and large-polyped Palythoa such as the Grandis form are noted as slow-growing and among the slimiest, most toxic zoanthids. It is photosynthetic and carries palytoxin.

Reproductive Mode

This Palythoa is increased asexually. New polyps bud from the colonial mat, but as a large-polyped Grandis type it grows comparatively slowly, building colonies gradually. Propagation divides the colonial clusters once enough polyps have formed.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

Because the polyps are large and the colony slow to rebuild, frag conservatively. Following Reef Builders' zoanthid method, slice the mat between polyps with a razor blade and trace the line with coral cutters until a polyp or cluster frees, cutting close to the base. Mount the cluster on a plug and allow a long recovery.

Wear gloves, eye protection and a mask - large Palythoa are highly toxic.
Cut the colonial mat between large polyps with a fresh razor blade.
Trace the line with coral cutters until a polyp or cluster separates near the base.
Dry the plug and base, add a little glue, and seat the cluster gently.
Return it, blast off the heavy mucus, and allow extended time to re-anchor and bud.

Conditions for Propagation

Lighting: 75-200 PAR (medium)
Flow: medium
Temperature: 24-26 degC
pH: 8.1-8.4; salinity 1.024-1.026
Large polyps accept meaty foods, which can support recovery

Palytoxin Safety

Palytoxin is one of the most poisonous non-protein substances known, and aquarists have been poisoned by contact and by inhaling aerosol when handling or removing Palythoa. Treat this Palythoa with the highest caution and full protective gear during propagation.

Common Challenges

Slow growth means the colony takes a long time to rebuild after fragging, so over-harvesting sets it back. The heavy mucus can smother fresh frags if not blasted off, and large polyps are easily injured by deep cuts. Frag minimally, cut cleanly, and be patient through the long recovery.