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FAQs about Sea Fan Reproduction, Propagation
Related Articles: Sea Fans,
Related FAQs: Sea Fans 1, Sea Fans 2, Sea
Fan Identification, Sea Fan Behavior,
Sea Fan Selection, Sea
Fan Compatibility, Sea Fan Systems,
Sea Fan Feeding, Sea Fan
Disease,
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Gorgonian Propagation Question - 2/21/2006
Hello again. I am hoping you will be able to provide a quick answer
to my questions. I have what I think is a Eunicea succinea - Candelabrum
Gorgonian as it looks like the photos on a few web pages I have
explored. I have attached a photo I have taken of my specimen and ask if
you can confirm it's type and advise me on taking cuttings for
propagation.
The specimen has grown to the point that it now floats at the top of my
120G reef/fish tank when I do 15G water changes. I want to take a few
cuttings to reduce it's height and propagate to other areas of the reef.
It is approx. 7" tall and has three branches off the main trunk. The
first is approx. 1.5" from the base, the second at 3.5" and the third at
5" or 2.5" from the top.
Can I take cutting from the specimen while it is in the tank as compared
to removing it from the tank prior to cutting. The specimen has begun to
grow off the plug and onto the base rock and I would rather not disturb
it if not necessary. Also can you advise me on the best points to make
my cuts. I was intending to make my cuts approx. .5" above each of the
two lowest branches and then cut the main trunk just below the third
branch. The result would yield three sections to be located in new areas
of the reef and leave the base trunk with three stubs at a height of
approx. 4".
Thank you for your time and assistance.
PS. The specimen in question is the tall brown one in the center of the
photo.
<Mmm, have not done this myself... would like to refer you to Anthony
Calfo's "Book of Coral Propagation", and to Fossa and Nilsen V. 2 of
MCRA (Modern Coral Reef Aquarium)... as well as the few specialized BB's
(Reefs.org, Reef Frontiers...) for more input from folks with first-hand
experience. Bob Fenner> |
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Propagating Gorgonian corals
Thanks for your help! Now to the next issue. It has been
growing at a (recently) phenomenal rate, and I am going to either have to prune
it or change tanks. The new tank thing is probably not going to happen soon, so
how would you suggest that I cut back the gorgonian octocoral?
<easy and hardy... read on>
Should I cut it at a bifurcation?
<yes, but for aesthetics only. This coral will tolerate cutting most
anywhere>
After cutting it, should I treat it in any way?
<little handling is needed or recommended. Cut clean through a branch with
sturdy scissors or chicken scissors (cutting poultry in the kitchen). The parent
is to be left in place and will heal over shortly with continued good
maintenance and a clean cut. Take the cutting(s) and strip the lower 1/4 to 1/2
inch of tissue off of the woody gorgonin stem. This woody stem can then be
epoxied or glued into place on another rock or piece of rubble. If you like, you
can simply stick it in a matching sized hole in rock (drill one in rubble if you
want). If you feel really frisky about propagating coral, I know of a good book
on the subject <G>.>
thanks, Tom
<best regards, Anthony Calfo>
Re: Propagating Gorgonian
you guys are great -- I'll probably give a cutting to my LFS so there will be
one less piece of coral plucked from the ocean... thanks again, Tom
<and you are a fine aquarist to know my friend. Admirable sensibilities like
that have helped you get to where you are with a reef over 10 years old and
healthy. Kudos again. Anthony>
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