Atlantic Scoly (Mussa angulosa) Propagation Guide

How to approach propagation of the Caribbean Atlantic Scoly (Mussa angulosa): a large fleshy LPS handled conservatively, with cautious skeleton trimming and sexual reproduction.

Overview

The Atlantic Scoly is the Caribbean fleshy large-polyp stony coral Mussa angulosa, in the family Mussidae. It is brown or green with bright green tentacle tips that emerge at night, and is kept as a scoly-like centerpiece. Its very fleshy polyps make it sensitive to rough handling during any propagation.

Reproductive Mode

Mussa angulosa is treated conservatively in propagation. Like other large solitary or few-polyp fleshy LPS, it does not divide cleanly with a saw without high risk to the tissue, so aquarists favor cautious trimming or sexual reproduction over aggressive cutting. Keeping the existing colony healthy is the primary strategy.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

1. Keep the coral submerged and the fleshy tissue protected throughout any handling.
2. Avoid cutting straight through fleshy polyp tissue, which is prone to damage and infection.
3. If dividing is attempted, trim through bare skeleton between corallites rather than through flesh.
4. Use a band saw for a clean cut and minimize the exposed wound area.
5. Mount the divisions in low flow and moderate light and let the cut tissue recede and heal before normal placement.

Because the polyps are large and fleshy, the lower-risk choice is usually to grow the colony out rather than to cut it.

Conditions for Propagation

Fleshy scoly-type LPS recover best under moderate lighting, since strong light can bleach them. Moderate, indirect flow keeps detritus off the tissue without abrading it. Spot feeding meaty foods such as mysis a couple of times a week supports recovery and color.

Sexual Reproduction

Reef LPS in the family Mussidae reproduce sexually in the wild, but larval rearing is a specialized undertaking rather than a routine aquarium technique. It is mentioned here as the non-destructive route that does not jeopardize the parent coral; detailed gamete data for this species is not documented in the consulted sources.

Common Challenges

The main challenge is the thick, fleshy tissue: cuts heal slowly and damaged flesh can become infected. With few polyps to spare, a failed division can cost the whole piece, so conservative husbandry is preferred over propagation.