Propagating Pseudoplexaura porosa (Caribbean Sea Plume)

How to propagate the photosynthetic Caribbean gorgonian Pseudoplexaura porosa: branch fragmentation, mounting, flow and light needs, and its natural sexual and asexual reproduction.

Overview

Pseudoplexaura porosa is a tree-like, upright gorgonian native to the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, ranging from Bermuda and Florida to Colombia. Colonies grow tall, with a trunk up to about 5 cm thick and dichotomous branching that repeatedly forks into equal pairs. The tissue is pale yellow, tan or reddish-purple, and each polyp bears eight tentacles.

Reproductive Mode

This species is photosynthetic: its tissues host symbiotic zooxanthellae that supply nutrients, so colonies derive much of their energy from light. In nature it reproduces both sexually, by spawning gametes, and asexually, by budding new polyps and through fragmentation. Detached pieces are able to establish new colonies, which is the basis for aquarium propagation.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

Because detached fragments can re-establish, this gorgonian is propagated by cutting a healthy branch and remounting it. Use sharp shears to take a branch tip, then secure the cutting to rubble or a plug with reef glue. Photosynthetic gorgonian branches encrust onto plugs quickly, anchoring the new frag.

Select a healthy branch on a colony with no tissue recession.
Cut a branch tip cleanly with sharp shears.
Mount the cutting in rubble or onto a plug with reef glue.
Place under moderate light and strong flow so the mucus membrane is shed.

Feeding & Conditions for Propagation

As a zooxanthellate gorgonian, P. porosa relies mainly on light and does not require heavy target feeding. It thrives in areas of strong current, where its branches flex with water movement; good flow also helps the colony shed the thin mucus membrane that gorgonians periodically slough off, keeping the new frag clean while it heals.

Sexual Reproduction

Mature colonies spawn gametes on specific nights, reported around five days after the summer full moon. Larvae are not practical to rear in home aquaria, so hobbyist propagation relies on fragmentation rather than sexual reproduction.

Common Challenges

In the wild, the main cause of mortality is storm-related detachment rather than disease, and colonies can live for decades. In aquaria, insufficient flow can leave the persistent mucus film in place, encouraging algae or cyanobacteria on the new frag, so adequate current and clean water are the key conditions for successful healing.