Polyphyllia talpina Propagation Guide
The elongated, free-living slipper coral Polyphyllia talpina carries many mouths along an axial furrow; propagation uses fragmentation of the elongate body, not single-polyp cutting.
Overview
Polyphyllia talpina, the slipper or tongue coral, is a free-living member of the family Fungiidae. Its colonies are free-living and elongate with an axial furrow that may become indistinct, and the upper surface is covered in long, numerous tentacles usually extended during the day. Unlike a single-mouthed Fungia, the centres (mouths) are evenly distributed over the upper surface, making it polystomatous.
Reproductive Mode
As a free-living fungiid, the species reproduces both sexually and asexually. Its elongate, many-mouthed body means that, unlike a small disc coral, sections of the body can support tissue and mouths of their own, which is relevant to asexual propagation.
Fragging / Asexual Propagation
Free-living fungiids are not cut into many small frags like colonial LPS, but Polyphyllia's elongate form can fragment, and detached sections bearing tissue and mouths can regenerate into separate individuals. Because the body carries multiple mouths along its axis, a divided piece is more likely to retain a functioning mouth than a single-polyp disc coral.
Conditions for Propagation
In nature the coral inhabits reef slopes where Fungia is common, resting freely on the bottom. A soft substrate, gentle flow, and stable, clean water support healing of a divided section and regrowth of tissue over the cut margin.
Sexual Reproduction
Sexually, mature gametes are shed into the coelenteron and spawned through the mouth; the zygote develops into a planktonic planula larva that settles on its aboral end after early development of tentacles, septa and pharynx. This larval pathway is impractical in aquaria, so asexual fragmentation is the realistic route.
Common Challenges
The soft, tentacle-covered tissue is easily abraded, and a divided section can recede or become infected if water quality is poor. Resting on sand exposes the underside to detritus, so placement and flow must keep the specimen clean while it heals.