Torch coral Breeding Guide

Torch coral (Euphyllia glabrescens) is not commonly bred in captivity and is mainly propagated through fragmentation techniques. This process involves actively cutting a section of the coral's skeleton and tissue to create separate, viable colonies. Hobbyists interested in attempting to breed or propagate torch corals should have experience and understanding of coral care and handling, as the process can be delicate and require meticulous attention to tank conditions.

Breeding Process

Fragmentation is the primary method of propagating torch corals. To perform successful fragmentation, you'll need to use sterilized tools to ensure the coral's health isn't compromised. Select a healthy branch of the coral and make a clean cut to separate a fragment for propagation. It's crucial to handle the coral gently to prevent tissue damage. After cutting, immediately place the coral fragments in a tank set up with optimal conditions for recovery and growth.

Care of New Fragments

Once the coral has been fragmented, provide a suitable environment to aid their recovery and attachment. This includes stabilizing the fragments on a substrate or frag plug, allowing it to grow new tissue over the cuts. During this period, maintain stable water parameters, ensuring adequate lighting and moderate water flow to facilitate recovery.

Raising Coral Fragments

The new fragments will require consistent monitoring and care. Ensure the lighting conditions support photosynthesis, and keep water flow moderate to avoid detachment or damage to the developing coral tissue. Supplemental feeding can also promote healthy growth. As with mature torch corals, supply them with phytoplankton or coral-targeted nutrition once or twice weekly.

In summary, while natural reproductive success in captivity is limited, interested aquarists can propagate torch corals through fragmentation. However, this process requires experience, care, and optimal environmental conditions to ensure the new fragments thrive and integrate successfully into their marine habitat.