Coral reproduction

Brianna

Dear marine aquarists! If you are engaged in artificial vegetative reproduction of invertebrates, please respond! I would like to exchange information about the availability of clones in aquaculture. By conducting this work, we are addressing two tasks: 1. We obtain more tolerant clones in aquaculture 2. And a more global issue: reef protection through aquarium breeding.

Jacob4800

As far as I know, more or less productive breeding in an aquarium is only possible for some species of anemones (primarily aiptasia :-) and horse anemones) and disc anemones (Ricordea and Rhodactis) since their growth rate can be stimulated by artificial feeding. However, vegetative reproduction is theoretically possible for most soft corals as well, but since their primary (if not sole) method of nutrition is through symbiotic algae, their growth rate is generally too slow for breeding in an aquarium to be of any practical use. At least, my finger leather coral has visibly grown no more than a centimeter in half a year (though it's hard to tell with a sinularia - the branches don't stay in place). Of course, with a metal halide light the growth rate should increase (I only have fluorescent lamps), but I don't think it would be by very much. Tomorrow I'm supposed to receive a Ricordea - I'll see what happens with it. It might be possible to propagate it; they write on the Aqualog forum that with good feeding, Ricordea divides on its own every 3-4 weeks - we'll see what happens.

Wendy2244

As for the finger coral Sinularia polydactyla, we have learned to divide and cultivate it at a fairly satisfactory rate. In contrast, for example, Sinularia dura grows much more slowly.

Randall7906

Many of my corals grow too much, so I divide them (with a scalpel) into 2-3 parts. After that, after adaptation (2-3 weeks), they start to grow noticeably faster. I also divide soft corals (with multiple polyps) using cutters.

Rodney

For these purposes, a metal halide light is definitely needed, along with a minimum of organic matter and a feed base—the notorious phytoplankton culture—to feed the zooplankton that the polyps will eat; otherwise, good luck...

Laura3615

I heard that many suppliers create enclosures in shallow waters where they grow corals for sale, especially rare species that have strict quotas - there are both plankton and the necessary lighting.

Justin

Quite plausible. Totally rational!

Angela7060

As for coral farms, natural conditions are not our focus. We are forced to model conditions in aquasystems. Regarding food for corals, we have feed and various chemical additives for growing invertebrates. Best regards.