Propagating Pocillopora damicornis (Cauliflower Coral)

Propagating the branching SPS Pocillopora damicornis: snapping or cutting branches and gluing to plugs, plus its dual reproduction as a planula brooder and broadcast spawner.

Overview

Pocillopora damicornis, the cauliflower or lace coral, is a branching small-polyp stony coral of the family Pocilloporidae. Colonies grow in clumps up to about 30 cm high with branches covered in irregular wart-like verrucae; it is more heavily branched than the related P. verrucosa. It is one of the most abundant corals worldwide, a fast-growing reef-builder that hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and is relatively resistant to bleaching.

Reproductive Mode

Pocillopora damicornis is a simultaneous hermaphrodite with a notable dual strategy: it both broods and releases planular larvae and, in some populations, broadcast spawns. In Western Australia colonies both brood larvae and broadcast spawn, while in the Eastern Pacific they broadcast spawn only. It also propagates asexually by fragmentation.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

Branching Pocillopora is among the easiest SPS to frag. Broken branch pieces readily lodge and grow into new colonies in nature, and in the aquarium branch tips are simply cut or snapped and glued to a plug. Coral cutters do the job cleanly and can be used inside the tank.

1. Cut or snap a branch tip a few centimetres long with coral cutters.
2. Apply cyanoacrylate glue to a frag plug.
3. Seat the branch base, hold about 30 seconds, then return it to the tank.
4. Provide strong flow and light again within a few hours.

Conditions for Propagation

Fast growth requires strong flow and stable reef chemistry. The Aquairi record targets medium-high light (about 150-300 PAR), high flow and 24-26 C.

Sexual Reproduction

Brooded planulae are released around the new moon. The larvae carry a lipid-rich yolk and have great dispersal ability, remaining viable for up to about 100 days before settling and metamorphosing into new polyps. This brooding behaviour means small recruits occasionally appear on rock or glass in mature reef tanks.

Common Challenges

Pocillopora is a strong competitor and grows quickly, so fragged colonies need room from neighbours. Polyps extend tentacles at night to feed on plankton, so daytime appearance differs from night.