Ricordea yuma (Yuma Ricordea) Propagation & Fragging Guide

How to propagate the Pacific ricordea corallimorph Ricordea yuma: asexual growth into polyp colonies and mushroom fragging, with low-flow, moderate-light healing conditions.

Overview

Ricordea yuma is a Pacific ricordea corallimorph, the sole genus alongside the Caribbean Ricordea florida within the family Ricordeidae and order Corallimorpharia. Reef Builders describes it as large and fleshy, covered in round vesicles, with rainbow colours, and reports specimens of three to four inches across and some pushing five to six inches. It is hardy and well established in the trade.

Reproductive Mode

Ricordea yuma reproduces asexually in the hobby. Reef Builders states that it propagates by developing into colonies of multiple polyps, the typical clonal multiplication of corallimorphs. Sexual reproduction in corallimorphs is broadcast and pelagic and is not part of normal aquarium propagation.

Asexual Propagation / Fragging

Because Ricordea grows into polyp colonies, individual polyps can be separated as the colony expands. As with other mushroom corallimorphs, the harder step is reattachment: a freshly separated or cut polyp should be placed onto a small piece of substrate and that substrate glued to a larger rock, allowing the polyp to anchor itself as it heals.

Reef Builders notes that mushroom corallimorphs heal well from cutting and grow quickly thereafter, so dividing an established Ricordea colony is a reliable way to produce new polyps once each cutting is securely seated on rubble.

Conditions for Propagation

Mushroom corallimorphs are kept under medium to low light with minimal flow, and Reef Builders observes that the best polyp extension is reached in near-stagnant water. Low flow also gives loose or freshly divided polyps a chance to settle and attach, improving propagation success.

Sexual Reproduction

Sexual reproduction is broadcast spawning into open water with pelagic larvae, which is not reproduced in closed aquaria. In practice, propagation of Ricordea yuma in the hobby is entirely asexual.