Among the large polyps fit for an aquarium are the frogspawn corals. It is rich with flowing tentacles that make it a beautiful addition to a tank. The tips are quite colorful too, creating a cool display for observation.
Scientifically, it is referred to as Euphillia divisa. The name was derived from the fact that it has polyps divided at the end. Round lobes complete this feature that helps distinguish it from the hammer coral. Their identification is mostly determined by the shape of the polyp rather than the delicate skeletal.
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Appearance of Frogspawn Corals
These corals are generally hardy. They also exhibit many colors on their tentacles. The most common ones are brown, yellow, and green. At the tip of the tentacles are bright colors like pink, white, cream, and lavender. The sharp and contrasting combination makes it a perfect candidate for a tank. As a caution, however, always keep it away from other corals as it is very aggressive. The rule is 6 inches between it and the others.
Frogspawn corals form big colonies with existing corallite walls that form on outer edges with polyps. They have the innate ability to retract completely into their skeleton. During the daytime, the polyps extend completely. During the night, they only extend partially.
The tentacles elongate when feeding. This is quite a spectacle to watch. The tentacles can stretch 2 to 3 times their usual length. Its lifespan is still not known.
Size Of Frogspawn Corals
Frogspawn is the most beautiful variety in aquariums. Frogspawn color will give your tank a fantastic look and appearance. Frogspawn is generally found in every color. And their average size is considered to be something around 9-10 inches. They require a space in the tank of up to 8-10 inches. They require moderate care.
Habitat
Frogspawn coral is native to some parts of Asia and Australia. Countries, where its roots can be traced, include the Philippines, Fiji, Indonesia, and Australia. Natural habitat waters include Houtman Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
In the wild, the coral is found on reef slopes in depths of about 40m (131feet) and muddy substrates. They form small colonies here where waters are turbid with gentle waves. They love the feel of bright yet indirect sunlight. For protection purposes, they have stinging cells to help them deal with predators. These stings are also used for capturing small prey.
So far, it has not been listed as an endangered species.
Facts About Frogspawn Corals
Looks
Frogspawn Corals are god-gifted spices in many color combinations and provide beautiful looks day and night. Their color makes you fall in love with them, especially when the lights are on. The lighting makes and shades their color, which is the whole appearance of your tank. Frogspawn corals’ polyp looks like different color bulbs are glowing.
Simultaneously reproduce
Coral polyps release millions of microscopic egg and sperm bundles into the sea during this synchronized breeding. Corals boost their chances of locating and fertilizing a matched bundle by spawning in large groups. Their growth is fast as their growth rate is fast. You would not believe that frogspawn becomes mature and could be ready to breed within six months.
Variety of colors
Frogspawn Corals are available in large varieties, and each variety has its looks and colors. Their color in lights can be seen shining and making it look like a bulb. There are some major colors by which they are formed, such as Greens, Purples, Pinks, Browns, Oranges, Yellows. They could also be seen in color combinations, like in the bottom, they have green and on the upside of polyps pink.
Tank Requirements
Polyps require sufficient water parameters. The following tank requirements should be met:
- A sizeable tank with a capacity of 30 gallons or more.
- It can do with moderate lighting. Avoid providing bright yet direct light as this affects its comfort. Strong light may also damage its polyps, causing rapid tissue necrosis.
- Maintain temperatures at 74 to 83 Fahrenheit(23-28 degrees Celsius ).
- Moderate water movement is ideal. Very turbulent water movements may lead to the polyps not stretching out properly, inhibiting their ability to capture food.
- A live rock environment is a necessity.
- Saline waters of 1.023- 1.025.
Certain supplements are a necessity too if you are considering having frogspawn corals. Some supplements that you need to have in your tank are calcium, magnesium, and strontium. Calcium is a must as a lack of calcium can lead to retarded growth of the coral. Magnesium should be kept at around 1200-1350. It helps keep the calcium level up. A lack of sufficient calcium can be compensated for by the availability of Magnesium. Strontium of about 8-10 is sufficient for frogspawn corals. Lastly, avoid phosphorus as corals do not like them.
Feeding (Foods)
Like most other large polyps, the frogspawn corals have a way of feeding. These feeding strategies are developed over time to receive their required nutrients.
In the wild, a symbiotic relationship is developed with a marine algae zooxanthellae that help in providing nutrients. Planktonic organisms and food particles are another specialty captured by the coral. The body is also capable of absorbing organic matter.
In captivity, the coral can be fed on krill, shrimp, or chopped-up dice. Although hobbyists prefer to chop up its feeds, the coral can consume whole meals too. Large pieces of meat can be fed to it
The coral has numerous parts that need proper feeding. Little chopped-up foods can be offered at ago so that it can reach out with its numerous tentacles. Remember, proper feeding will ensure the whole of it is nourished.
The frogspawn coral is often described as aggressive. Part of the reason it turns to be wild is when not well fed. Ensure plenty of food is available to see to its needs. If not, it is likely to harm other corals and even fish within the tank.
Breeding and Reproduction
The frogspawn coral is as unique as its name suggests in several ways. First, it is both female and male. Secondly, it can reproduce sexually and asexually. In its natural habitat, it reproduces sexually. From its reproductive glands, it releases eggs as well as sperms, all at once. The fertilized egg forms a free-swimming larva. Planula larva eventually settles at the bottom of the sea in a substrate. Here, they become plankters.
A tiny polyp gets formed and begins to produce calcium carbonate before developing into a coral. The planula larva is susceptible to predation. As a result, very few survive.
In the aquarium, the frogspawn corals buds off small polyp groups. Little skeletons are attached to them. They can also pinch off part of their tentacles which later on attach since they are sticky. They then form corals within a new colony.
To spawn the corals, choose a healthy one without any signs of distress. Use an electric saw to sear off at least 1.5 or 2 inches of the tentacles. Glue this frag to a rock or plug. Ensure the slime from the particular coral does not get into contact with another coral. Ensure the frag has sufficient water flow too.
Social Behavior
It is quite aggressive when it gets into contact with other corals, more so when not well fed. When it is hungry, its tentacles (sweeper) can stretch to a length of 25cm. This can pose a real threat to other corals that are likely to earn a sting from it.
Towards members of its genus, it is relatively peaceful. Other kinds of sea animals like the shrimp can gain some form of protection as it stretches out to attack other corals, leaving them safe and sound. The frogspawn coral is a delight to a tank. When keeping it with other kinds of fish, be sure it does not come to harm. In other words, only put it in a tank with sea animals that cannot predate upon it.
Frogspawn Corals Tank Mates
A bright, bustling reef community looks amazing against a backdrop of corals. The frogspawn coral is not different. Polyps occur at various day and night times, allowing you to build ideal display tanks. Your frogspawn should thrive and create healthy colonies as long as you pick reef-protected species. Polyps also protect some fish and invertebrates. Here is the list of safe tank mates:
- Gobies
- Anthias
- Fairy Wrasse
- Blennies
- Tangs
- Cardinalfish
- Sea anemones
- Ricordea corals
- Mushroom corals
- Damselfish
- Wrasses
On the other side, several nights and invertebrates encourage those round polyps to protest. Whenever they eat in tentacles or believe that corals are a great place to live, their damage can result in injuries and diseases. Avoid listed varieties:
- Angelfish
- Butterflyfish
- Parrotfish
- Emerald crabs
- Hermit crabs
- Triggerfish
- Groupers
- Clownfish
- Puffers
Breeding Frogspawn Corals
When it comes to breeding in a tank, especially in the case of frog spawn, sexual reproduction does not operate well. At the same time, gametes are discharged from the reproductive glands. The fertilized egg subsequently hatches, releasing a free-floating planula larva frequently eaten before settling in the substrate and forming a polyp. Rather, you would frequently see them emerge.
Frogspawn has a skeleton foundation and can divide clusters of coral polyps. They can also put up a tentacle. After that, the polyps and tentacles would be placed on a suitable substrate, forming a new colony. You could also notice a polyp bailout. The coral goes through apoptosis when it is exposed to unfavorable conditions. It’s a method of cutting healthy tissue.
Frogspawn Corals Common Diseases And Treatment
Though frogspawn does not require any special treatment if you face any of the below problems, you can treat them with the solutions provided below.
Brown flatworms and acoel worms frequently appear in tanks with high nutrition levels. Unfortunately, they like frogspawn coral polyps, latching themselves to the tentacles and obstructing light. In addition, the coral quickly runs out of the nutrients given by its zooxanthellae. These annoyances can be avoided by keeping your tank clean and clear of excess protein.
You may also utilize wrasses or the blue velvet nudibranch to control pests. Or what else you can do is you can arrange chlorinated freshwater in your tank with an identical temperature and pH level. Then, for 5-10 seconds, immerse your coral into the water.
Frogspawn corals are also afflicted by brown jelly diseases. The infection generally enters when polyps are injured. If the illness is not treated, it could spread throughout the colony.
It would not take long for your coral to die. Therefore, you must act quickly to salvage what you can if you notice a jelly-like brown material on your coral. The first step is to set up a quarantine tank. After that, put the coral in another tank and remove that jelly.
Are Frogspawn Corals Right For You?
If you have egg-laying species in your tank, you must require Frogspawn Corals for your aquarium as they provide the space for egg-laying and hiding their eggs in Polyps. Its color also provides your tank with a bright look, and they look like bulbs in the tank. They do not require too much care and moderate lights. You need to maintain the temperature of your aquarium at around 15-20 degrees celsius.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Fast Does Frogspawn Coral Grow?
The growth rate of frogspawn coral depends on the variety you have in your aquarium, and another factor on which it depends is how you care for them. It is fast-growing coral that can grow completely in around six months. So if you want your frog spawn to grow faster, you need to care for them for about six months.
How To Keep Frogspawn?
Frogspawn is generally found in rainwater and those not polluted pounds. So if you want to put them in tap water and you also want to keep them healthy, firstly, you should check for 2-3 days whether your frog spawn is fine or not. And you are also required to change the water of your tank twice one week.
If you would not change the water, your frogspawn could die. Most importantly, the water temperature should not be neglected as it is considered crucial to keeping a frogspawn healthier. Therefore, the temperature should range between 15 to 20 degrees celsius.
Why Are The Looks Of Frogspawn So Appealing?
Frogspawn, coral lighting requirements are only moderate lights. Frogspawn coral has a branch-like growth pattern that stretches and develops swiftly. It can also develop into more of a wall, with everything sticking together a little tighter. The colors, though, are what makes this animal so appealing.
Green and yellow are two of the most common hues that stand out. The hue of the tentacles adds to the impression. These will be either a light hue like white or a pink version. Some frogspawn corals become blue or orange, although they aren’t as common.
The blue seems less unusual in the tank, and orange is difficult to come by. However, vibrant coloring provides a brilliant effect in the correct lighting circumstances. This coral’s distinct texture can completely transform the look of a tank, which is why it’s so enticing.
Conclusion
Frogspawn corals are one of the greatest Euphyllia for beginner, intermediate, and experienced hobbyists since they are the easiest to care for, available in a range of colors, and have the appearance of an anemone without the aggression or over-splitting.
These corals require moderate light, but they will soon begin to generate new polyps once established. There is no need to feed the coral. We hope this guide helped you to learn a piece of complete information about caring for your Frogspawn Coral.