Can you frag a torch...

[Darren]

That only has one stem? I have fragged many frogspawns as they grow multiple skeleton stems. My gold torch has grown a lot but it is still all contained in one stem. Thoughts?

 

[Mike J.]

As I'm sure you're aware, you'll have to cut of part of the live skeleton.

E. glabrescens (Torch Coral) has been observed with increasing regularity to planulate successfully in aquaria, it is a brooder. A mature colony might give you lots of babies.
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Scroll down to Euphylliids.

 

[akitareefer]

I've noticed gold torches grow a little bit different than the other ones I have. I would wait until the heads are more defined before you start cutting them apart. I have a head thats splitting into 4, I'll probably be waiting another 6 months before I can cut them safely apart.

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[jedimasterben]

I've noticed gold torches grow a little bit different than the other ones I have. I would wait until the heads are more defined before you start cutting them apart. I have a head thats splitting into 4, I'll probably be waiting another 6 months before I can cut them safely apart.

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There are two species of torch corals - Euphyllia glabrescens and Euphyllia paraglabrescens - the para notes that it is a branching species. This is the same among hammers (E. ancora/parancora) and frogspawns (E. divisa/paradivisa), but I'm not aware of a branching grape coral (E. cristata).

I do not know how one would safely break apart a non-branching Euphyllid. Their survival rate in captivity is so low as it is, I do not think that I would risk it.

 

[akitareefer]

They don't need to be branching to be fragged, most wall pieces were cut before they ever made it into your tank. Obviously there is risk cutting anything, and even more risk when you have so much exposed flesh. If you have the right tools and you read how its done, you can do it.... although many don't risk it.

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[CountrySideCoral]

I frag torch corals fairly often but I don't send it though the bandsaw until I have two separate heads that have at least 1/2" of bone growth just to leave some room to glue it to a plug or rock.

 

[PracticalAquarist]

As stated, it is possible. There is definitely a higher risk of loss if the head has not yet divided.