Common name: bubble coral

Scientific name: Euphyllia divisa Veron & Pichon, 1979

General information

The Frogspawn Coral, Euphyllia divisa, is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral that is popular among reef aquarium hobbyists for its unique appearance and waving tentacle tips, which resemble a mass of frogspawn or fish eggs. This coral is known for its ease of care and the dynamic movement it brings to the reef tank environment.

Details

Lighting
50 to 150 PAR
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Care level
Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
Flow
Moderate Prefers gentle, indirect flow.
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can sting nearby corals.

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Cnidarians
    Cnidaria
  3. Class
    Anthozoans
    Anthozoa
  4. Order
    Stony Corals
    Scleractinia
  5. Family
    Hammer Corals
    Euphyllidae
  6. Genus
    Hammer Coral
    Euphyllia
  7. Species
    bubble coral
    Euphyllia divisa Veron & Pichon, 1979
  8. Synonyms
    Fimbriaphyllia divisa (Veron & Pichon, 1979)

Care

Frogspawn Coral is relatively hardy and can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from moderate to high intensity. However, it prefers moderate water flow to allow its tentacles to sway gently, which is not only captivating to watch but also aids in feeding and respiration. It's important to provide ample space between Frogspawn Coral and other corals to prevent stinging encounters, as it can extend its sweeper tentacles at night to ward off or damage neighboring corals.

Symbiosis

While not hosting fish like some anemones, Frogspawn Coral can have a mutualistic relationship with certain cleaner shrimp and small fish, which may seek refuge among its tentacles. These animals help keep the coral free from parasites and provide a degree of protection.

Habitat

In the wild, Euphyllia divisa is found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically in shallow waters where it attaches to rocky substrates or reef slopes. It is often found in areas with moderate currents, which facilitate the delivery of planktonic food to the coral.