Gorgonian Frag

[BeltwayBandit]

I have a purple gorgonian that I would like to frag.  I have read up on how to frag the coral but was wondering what the success rate is on fragging these corals?  Are there issues with infection, disease etc. when fragging that I need to worry about?

 

Thanks

BB

[michaelg]

These are easiest to do with some kitchen sheers and survival is high if it is a photosynthetic gorgonian.  Infection should not be a problem, as they don't slime all over the place.

[Aquariareview]

This is a good link for Gorgonian Fragmentation. Gorg Prop

 

I have had lots of gorgs from a single piece. Gorgonian are often damaged by storms and fragmentation is a natural method of reproduction.

 

These critters do best when they are placed in strong current. They can catch food as it is swept past them in the current. They are easy to feed on crushed flake food and frozen brine shrimp. The trick is to feed them well after you cut them so they grow.

 

It is also important to supply good illumination to all of the photosynthetic Gorgonians.

 

I got a new one from Rick this last meeting I have already made 20 small cuttings for all of my friends

[AquariaUSA]

Ouch!

Nathan, it is sometimes best to let a gorgonian adapt to the new water for at least a couple weeks prior to cutting it. If you don't this may increase the tendency to shed its skin down to the gorgonin faster, especially if entering one tank, being cut, then going to another tank. I usually let them acclimate at least a week, and if any damage is apparent on a stem, I would prop/cut only due to the damage. From then on, I cut new growth (stems,branches,arms) which makes it captive propagation versus wild clip and frag. Either way, hope it works out well for ya!

 

BB, don't forget to skin about 1/4" to 1/3" at the bottom of the cutting to affix into a small rock and glue. This will ensure a good fitting, and that the tissue will hopefully regrow over the superglu in good time versus shed due to stress.