dylandionysius
Community Member
Synopsys
I've been waiting for a while to post this thread, pending the results of my experiment. But I wanted to at least start it so I could share my progress with propagating Scolymia.
I first learned about this technique when I read this article on reef builders.
I thought it was so cool that you could cut these corals and have a new, unique scoly form on the bottom. I'm also really passionate about reef conservation, so I think it's important for us to focus on making our hobby as gentle on wild collection as possible.
There isn't much information out there about this method of propagation, so I wanted to start this thread to bounce ideas around and share experience.
Experiment
Anyways, I bought a scoly in November of 2023, and after giving it a few weeks to acclimate to my system, I decided to try my first cut. NOV 21st
As you can see, the cut is actually located on the perimeter of the skeleton. After I made the cut, I realized from reading that the most effective cuts are closer to the mouth. After about 6 weeks no baby had formed. Disappointed, I made another cut- this one being deeper...
Date JAN 2nd
This second cut was much closer towards the center (the mouth) of the scolymia. I actually went a bit too deep and broke through to the coral on the other side. Not to worry though, this method still works, however, it takes longer to form a baby if you break through.
Luckily, very quickly, I noticed a baby forming.
JAN 6th
Currently, I have pigmentation beginning to form as well as a distinct mouth.
FEB 22nd
This is my current progress. I will be updating the thread as the baby grows. Today, I also performed a cut on my master scoly, this time not breaking through the skeleton, to test this method as well. Would love to hear any questions, comments, or experience!
Dylan
I've been waiting for a while to post this thread, pending the results of my experiment. But I wanted to at least start it so I could share my progress with propagating Scolymia.
I first learned about this technique when I read this article on reef builders.
Ultra Coral Australia propagates Homophyllia from the bottom up | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog
Captive propagation of Homophyllia australis isn’t as easy as many other corals. Being a single polyp LPS coral, cutting through it with a coral saw usually ends in its demise. They have been captive…
reefbuilders.com
I thought it was so cool that you could cut these corals and have a new, unique scoly form on the bottom. I'm also really passionate about reef conservation, so I think it's important for us to focus on making our hobby as gentle on wild collection as possible.
There isn't much information out there about this method of propagation, so I wanted to start this thread to bounce ideas around and share experience.
Experiment
Anyways, I bought a scoly in November of 2023, and after giving it a few weeks to acclimate to my system, I decided to try my first cut. NOV 21st
As you can see, the cut is actually located on the perimeter of the skeleton. After I made the cut, I realized from reading that the most effective cuts are closer to the mouth. After about 6 weeks no baby had formed. Disappointed, I made another cut- this one being deeper...
Date JAN 2nd
This second cut was much closer towards the center (the mouth) of the scolymia. I actually went a bit too deep and broke through to the coral on the other side. Not to worry though, this method still works, however, it takes longer to form a baby if you break through.
Luckily, very quickly, I noticed a baby forming.
JAN 6th
Currently, I have pigmentation beginning to form as well as a distinct mouth.
FEB 22nd
This is my current progress. I will be updating the thread as the baby grows. Today, I also performed a cut on my master scoly, this time not breaking through the skeleton, to test this method as well. Would love to hear any questions, comments, or experience!
Dylan
