Yellow Octospawn Coral

Introduction to Frogspawn Corals

Frogspawn corals (Euphyllia divisa) are a popular choice among reef aquarists for their distinctive appearance and flowing tentacles that look similar to a clutch of frog eggs and add dynamic movement to aquariums. Known for their branching growth and vibrant colorsranging from greens and pinks to goldsFrogspawn corals are a type of LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral that is both captivating and relatively easy to care for.

These corals are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of tank setups, making them an excellent addition for hobbyists of all skill levels. Their ability to sway gracefully in moderate flow creates a natural, reef-like aesthetic in any aquarium.

Location

Frogspawn corals (Euphyllia divisa) are native to the Indo-Pacific region, including reef systems in Indonesia, Fiji, and Australia. They are commonly found in sheltered lagoon environments and reef slopes where water flow is moderate, and light levels are diffused.

These corals often occupy niches in the mid to lower parts of the reef, attaching themselves to rockwork or rubble in areas that offer some protection from strong currents. This placement allows them to extend their tentacles freely while avoiding excessive stress from turbulent water.

Water Chemistry

Frogspawn corals thrive in stable, well-maintained water conditions. Keeping consistent parameters is essential for their health and growth. The recommended water chemistry ranges are:

• Calcium: 400-450 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
• Nitrates: 5-15 ppm
• Phosphates: <0.10 ppm
• Temperature: 75-80F

Stable salinity (1.024-1.026) and pH levels (8.1-8.4) are also crucial for supporting skeletal development and vibrant coloration. Regular testing and adjustments ensure Frogspawn corals adapt well to their environment and maintain their health over time.

Lighting

Frogspawn corals thrive under moderate lighting conditions, typically within a PAR range of 75-150. They are adaptable and can grow well under various lighting setups, including LEDs, T5 fluorescent lights, and metal halides. Providing balanced lighting helps maintain their vibrant coloration without risking stress or bleaching.

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use a combination of Ecotech Marine Radions and metal halides to replicate optimal lighting conditions for Frogspawn corals in our aquaculture facility. Gradually acclimating these corals to their lighting environment is essential for ensuring a smooth transition and long-term health.

Water Flow

Frogspawn corals prefer moderate, indirect water flow that allows their tentacles to sway gently without being blasted by strong currents. Proper water movement is crucial for delivering nutrients to the coral and removing waste, supporting their health and vibrant appearance.

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use a combination of Ecotech Marine MPs, Reef Octopus Octo Pulse, and Sicce XStream wave makers to create dynamic flow patterns. When placing Frogspawn corals, avoid areas with direct, high-intensity flow, as this can cause the coral to retract its tentacles or experience tissue damage. A calm, steady flow mimics their natural lagoon habitat and allows them to thrive.

What We Feed

Frogspawn corals primarily rely on their symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy, but supplemental feeding helps enhance their growth and coloration. At Top Shelf Aquatics, we feed our Frogspawn corals a mix of fine-particle foods, such as our Royal Flush blend, which includes:

• Tisochrysis
• Rhodomonas
• Tetraselmis

In addition to fine-particle foods, Frogspawn corals benefit from occasional target feedings of meatier options like mysis shrimp. Feeding a few times a month provides the nutrients they need for vibrant coloration and robust growth.

For best results, use a turkey baster to target-feed the coral, pausing water flow for approximately 10-15 minutes. This ensures the coral has adequate time to capture and absorb nutrients effectively.

Coloration and Tank Maturity

Frogspawn corals are known for their vibrant and dynamic coloration, ranging from greens and golds to pinks and purples, often with contrasting tips. Their coloration is influenced by lighting spectrum, water quality, and supplemental feeding. Deeper blue lighting enhances their vivid colors, while balanced lighting supports steady growth.

Feeding Frogspawn corals with nutrient-rich foods, such as mysis shrimp and amino acid blends, helps maintain their pigmentation. Trace elements, including iodine and iron, also play a role in supporting their coloration and overall health.

Frogspawn corals adapt well to stable reef systems and can quickly become a focal point in your tank with proper care. Their flowing tentacles and striking colors make them a favorite for hobbyists of all skill levels.

Common Challenges

Although these branching LPS corals are generally hardy, they can face several challenges if conditions arent ideal:

• Tissue Retraction: Exposure to strong currents or improper placement can cause the polyps to withdraw. Providing gentle, indirect flow ensures the tentacles remain extended and healthy.
• Polyp Bailout: Stress from fluctuating water parameters, poor lighting, or improper placement may result in polyp bailout, where the flesh detaches from its skeleton. Maintaining stability and ensuring the coral is in a low-stress environment can help prevent this issue.
• Bacterial Infections: Brown jelly disease is a common concern for Euphyllia species, appearing as a slimy, brown coating. Immediate removal of affected areas and improved tank hygiene are crucial to stopping its spread.
• Nutrient Sensitivity: Elevated levels of nitrate or phosphate can lead to tissue damage or poor health. Consistently maintaining low nutrient levels through water changes and testing is vital.
• Lighting Stress: Overexposure to intense light can lead to bleaching or tissue damage. Positioning the coral in moderate lighting zones and avoiding sudden increases in intensity will reduce the risk of stress.

How We Farm/Propagate This

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we propagate Euphyllia corals with care and precision to ensure their health and adaptability in home reef systems. Using a combination of Ecotech Marine Radions and metal halides for optimal lighting and advanced wavemakers like Ecotech Marine MPs, Reef Octopus Octo Pulse, and Sicce XStream, we replicate their natural environment to encourage growth and coloration.

Our propagation process involves carefully selecting healthy parent colonies and fragging them under controlled conditions to minimize stress. Each frag is mounted using reef-safe glue or epoxy and placed in dedicated grow-out systems where they are closely monitored for growth and health. This sustainable process ensures that our Euphyllia specimens thrive and are ready to adapt to a variety of aquarium setups.

Acclimation Guide

Proper acclimation is essential for ensuring a smooth transition for Frogspawn corals into your reef system. These corals can experience stress from shipping or environmental changes, so following these steps will help them settle in successfully:

• Temperature Acclimation: Float the bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature.
• Drip Acclimation: Gradually introduce your tank water to the coral.
• Lighting Acclimation: Place the Frogspawn coral in a lower-light area of the tank or reduce your light intensity initially. Gradually increase lighting over the next 2-3 weeks to avoid bleaching.
• Placement: Mount the coral securely using glue or epoxy on a rock or ledge with moderate, indirect water flow. Monitor its behavior and coloration during the adjustment period.