Propagating Pocillopora verrucosa (Verrucosa Pocillopora)

Propagating the stout-branched SPS Pocillopora verrucosa: cutting branches and gluing to plugs, plus the genus brooding reproduction and fragmentation.

Overview

Pocillopora verrucosa is a branching small-polyp stony coral of the family Pocilloporidae with stout branches and prominent verrucae. It is less heavily branched and more compact than P. damicornis. Colours vary with light and water movement, and the coral hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae. The genus is distributed across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Reproductive Mode

Pocillopora polyps carry both male and female reproductive organs. The genus broods larvae internally and releases them when mature, and it also reproduces asexually by fragmentation.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

The stout branches of P. verrucosa are very easy to frag. Cut a branch with coral cutters and glue it to a plug; the thicker structure handles cutting well. Coral cutters are inexpensive and usable inside the tank.

1. Cut a branch 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

This species thrives in strong flow. The Aquairi record targets medium-high light (about 200-350 PAR), high flow and 24-26 C.

Sexual Reproduction

Within Pocillopora the larvae develop inside the polyps rather than free-floating in the water, and mature larvae can drift for several weeks before settling. Colonies can also disperse over long distances by attaching to floating objects.

Common Challenges

Pocillopora is a strong competitor; in mixed reefs leave space around verrucosa frags. Polyps feed at night by extending tentacles to capture plankton.