Tentacle Tango: Fragging Euphyllia Like a Pro

✂️ Frag It Like a Pro: Euphyllia Edition

Euphyllia corals torch, hammer, and frogspawn are the rockstars of reef tanks. Their flowing tentacles and neon hues bring movement and magic to any aquascape. But when they start to sprawl like underwater octopi, it’s time to frag. Whether you're making room, multiplying your favourites, or prepping for trade, fragging Euphyllia is equal parts art and science.

🧠 Know Your Coral

Euphyllia come in two main growth forms:

• Branching: Individual heads grow on separate stalks (e.g., branching hammer, torch).

• Wall: A continuous skeleton with multiple polyps (e.g., wall hammer, wall frogspawn).

Branching types are much easier to frag safely. Wall types are more delicate and prone to infection, so fragging them requires surgical precision or better yet, a hands-off approach unless you're experienced.

🛠️ Tools of the Trade

• Band saw with diamond blade: Best for clean cuts through skeleton without crushing.

• Bone cutters: Okay for branching types, but risk splintering.

• Iodine dip or coral recovery solution: Essential for post-frag healing.

• Saltwater rinse bucket: Use water from the coral’s home tank to reduce stress.

✂️ Step-by-Step Fragging

1. Inspect the colony: Look for healthy, extended polyps and avoid fragging stressed or retracted corals.

2. Choose your cut point: For branching types, cut below the polyp on the skeleton. Avoid slicing through flesh.

3. Make the cut: Use a band saw or bone cutters. Frag one branch at a time.

4. Rinse and dip: Immediately rinse frags in tank water, then dip in iodine or coral recovery solution to prevent infection.

5. Mount and rest: Attach frags to plugs or rubble with reef-safe glue. Let them rest in low-flow, moderate light for a few days.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting through flesh: This can lead to rapid tissue necrosis and infection.

• Fragging wall Euphyllia: These are notoriously fragile. If you must, use a band saw and cut far from polyp tissue.

• Skipping the dip: Healing dips are crucial for preventing bacterial outbreaks.

🧜‍♀️ Coral with Character

At CJ_Reefs, we don’t just frag we give each coral a story. That neon green torch frag? It’s the punk rocker of your reef. The double-headed hammer? A dynamic duo ready to headline your aquascape. Fragging isn’t just propagation it’s personality multiplication.

🌱 Why Frag?

• Space management: Prevent overcrowding and aggression.

• Reef restoration: Propagated frags can be used in reef-saving projects.

• Community sharing: Trade or gift frags to fellow reefers.