Platygyra lamellina (Lamellina Brain) Propagation Guide

Propagating Platygyra lamellina (Merulinidae), a meandroid brain coral, by sawing the single skeleton into frags, with notes on its mass spawning in nature.

Overview

Platygyra lamellina is a brain coral of the family Merulinidae with short meandroid valleys and lamellate corallite walls. Members of this genus form massive to submassive colonies on a single connected skeleton. As with other Platygyra, propagation means dividing that one skeleton, because the polyps are not arranged as separable heads.

Reproductive Mode

Growth is driven by asexual budding of polyps along the valleys, expanding a single genotype over the skeleton. Platygyra is a hermaphroditic broadcast spawner on the reef, releasing gametes for external fertilisation. Aquarists rely on the asexual route, mechanically dividing the colony.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

1. Pick a healthy colony and mark a cut along a low valley wall.
2. Use a band saw to part the skeleton so each frag keeps intact valleys.
3. Rinse, then mount the cut face down on a plug or rock.
4. Allow the edge to heal under gentle flow and softened light.

Conditions for Propagation

• Steady carbonate chemistry for re-calcification.
• Moderate flow that clears debris without scouring tissue.
• Lower light during the first weeks of recovery.
• Low nutrients to suppress algae on bare skeleton.

Sexual Reproduction

In the wild this genus joins synchronised spawning events, broadcasting eggs and sperm into the water for external fertilisation and free-swimming larvae. Captive sexual reproduction is rare and not a practical home-propagation route.

Common Challenges

Though hardy, freshly cut skeleton is prone to algae colonisation and slow tissue recession when conditions slip. Clean saw cuts, brief air exposure, and stable parameters give the best healing.