Branching E

Propagating the branching Euphyllias is on of the easiest LPS (Large Polyped Stony) corals to propagate.  Unlike most other LPS corals they are easily propagated and can be traded or sold within days of propagation.  This not only makes them a good choice for large scale propagation efforts, but also for the individual interested in trading corals with other hobbyists.

There are a couple of tools that I use to propagate the Branching Euphyllias.  Wire cutters, underwater epoxy, and latex gloves.  Although the gloves are not necessary you reduce the chance of damaging the corals while handling it.  Many people use Superglue (cyanoacrylate) instead of epoxy, but I find that the epoxy is easier to work with and seems to hold better over time.  The wire cutters can also be replaced with bone cutters, pliers, or any other instrument capable of breaking the coral skeleton.  You will also require a small rock or "plug" to attach the cutting to.  Remember to rinse and dry all of the tools that you use to do the propagation.  Especially those that contain any metal as they are prone to rust.

The first step is to put on the latex gloves (if you are going to use them).  Always rinse the gloves before touching the coral so that any oils or impurities are removed (especially if the gloves are "powdered").  You should select a Euphyllia that is a "branching" Euphyllia.  Most of these corals are usually sold with 3-10 heads on them.  Notice that the coral that I have chosen has 9 heads.  Keep the coral in the aquarium until you are ready to start the propagation procedure.  At CoralPlanet.com we have many of these "branching" Euphyllias.  We sell both cuttings and mother colonies.  If you e-mail info@coralplanet.com and tell them that you are interested in propagation they can tell you what we have in stock and recommend a coral for you.

Secondly, you should prepare the epoxy by mixing the two parts together until both colors of epoxy are complete mixed together.  You should prepare as much epoxy as you will need to attach the coral cuttings.  This of course depends on the size and number of the cuttings that you plan to make.  It is better to have too much than not enough.   It is important to do this only after you are completely ready with your tools, small rock or "plug" and your coral close by as you will only have 8-10 minutes before the epoxy will become unworkable.  Many epoxies will have two sticks to mix together.  I prefer the epoxy that is one stick with both epoxies together pictured here.  This not only helps you keep the two portions the same, but it is easier to store also.

Next, you should remove the coral from the water and choose the places that you are going to "break" the coral.  It is best to break them as far down on the skeleton as possible.  I usually break off a branch with 1-2 heads.  This can be accomplished by using the cutters to quickly cut through the coral skeleton.  Caution should be used as the skeleton will break quite easily and you run the risk of damaging the rest of the coral if you are not careful.  Sometimes it is even possible to "break" the coral with out the use of any type of cutting instrument.  The branch to the left was broken off by quickly snapping the section you want to break from the coral. 

After I have made the cuttings I quickly attach them by placing a small about of epoxy on the rock or "plug" and press the bottom of the cutting into the epoxy.  You should use enough epoxy to hold the cutting firmly in place.  The epoxy should never touch the polyp or fleshy part of the coral.  The epoxy will harden within about 10 minutes, but it will take the epoxy about 24 hours to complete harden to its full strength.  Immediately place the cutting back into the tank water as you should not leave the coral or cutting out of the water for more than a minute or two.  The epoxy may make your skimmer froth more than usually for the first day after placing the coral cutting back into the aquarium.  This is normal.

The coral should quickly open up after it is placed back in the aquarium.  The picture above-left was taken only 20 minutes after the cutting was made. 

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