Propagating Stylophora subseriata (Subseriata Stylo)

Propagating the branching SPS Stylophora subseriata: cutting its thinner branches and gluing to plugs, plus genus reproduction notes.

Overview

Stylophora subseriata is a branching coral of the family Pocilloporidae with thinner, more pointed branches than S. pistillata. As with the genus, the finger-like branches vary in width and colour ranges through orange, pink, magenta, purple, green or brown depending on light and water movement. Stylophora is native to the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific eastward to the Pitcairn Islands and hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae.

Reproductive Mode

Stylophora is a branching coral typically multiplied in the aquarium by asexual fragmentation, which preserves colour morph and form. In nature the genus also reproduces sexually.

Fragging / Asexual Propagation

Branching Stylophora is straightforward to frag. Cut a branch with coral cutters and glue it to a plug. Because subseriata branches are thinner than pistillata, handle them gently to avoid crushing tissue, and cut cleanly through the branch.

1. Cut a branch a few centimetres long with coral cutters, handling thin branches gently.
2. Apply cyanoacrylate glue to a frag plug.
3. Seat the branch base, hold about 30 seconds, then return it to the tank.
4. Restore good flow and light within a few hours.

Conditions for Propagation

Stylophora favour exposed positions with good water movement. The Aquairi record targets medium-high light (about 150-300 PAR), medium-high flow and 24-26 C.

Common Challenges

Thin branches are more easily damaged during handling than the stout branches of pistillata, so use sharp cutters and minimise crushing. Like other Pocilloporidae, the coral is sensitive to unstable alkalinity and temperature.