From ReefPedia

[edit] Euphyllia divisa Difficulty: Medium to difficult Light: Medium Aggression: Very Aggressive Hardiness: Medium Growth Rate: Slow-Medium Availability: Somewhat rare. The branching variety, e. paradivisa, is more common (and hardier).

E. divisa, Frogspawn Coral

Introduction

The frogspawn coral, e. divisa, is a colorful stony coral in the common classification of "LPS" or "Large-Polyped Stony corals." As such, it has a calcareous skeleton that requires good calcium and alkalinity levels to thrive. Characterized by its long, sweeping tentacles with each having several colorful tips, frogspawn derives its common name from the tips resembling frog eggs. As with its cousins in the euphylliid family, the tentacles can pack a powerful sting. The coral is aggressive, and will send out sweeper tentacles of surprising length (oftentimes 6-8" or more). Frogspawn corals are relatively hardy given good water conditions. Imbalances in calcium/alkalinity will cause the coral to look visibly unhappy. If fixed within a matter of days, the coral almost always recovers.

There are several color morphs commonly found in the trade, all considered quite beautiful by fans of the euphyyllids. Colouration may change under differant lighting types

Common Names

Frogspawn coral, Grape Coral, Octopus Coral

Less common purple-tipped morph

Hardiness

Medium - demands good Calcium and Alkalinity levels for long-term happiness. Sensitive to increased phosphate levels. Stony skeleton makes it susceptible to being overgrown by hair algae.

Flow

Medium. The tentacles should "sway in the current" and not be blown constantly to one side. Wavemakers and other means of maintaining a non-linear flow pattern are helpful.

Lighting

Medium to high. Can thrive under power compact or fluorescent lighting near the top of the tank. Prefers metal halides for best growth and coloration.

Placement

Middle to top of tank when using fluorescent lighting; Middle to bottom of rockwork with metal halides. Be sure to leave plenty of room around this coral due to its aggression and propensity to send out "sweeper" tentacles with a powerful sting.

It can be placed next to species of Hammer corals without aggression. However, the aquarist should monitor closely for the first couple of days. Placing the coral in the vicinity of a torch coral is not a good idea, they will mildly annoy each other, often hindering growth.

Feeding

Typically does not need direct feeding. However, sometimes may accept small amounts of meaty food. Not necessary for the coral's growth or long-term success.Normally found in lagoons with turbid conditions and relies on symbiotic zooxanthellae for the majority of its nutrition

Propagation

e. divisa has a massive skeleton and propagation is not recommended for beginners. Damage to tissue will oftentimes lead to "brown jelly disease" which will, in most cases, kill the entire colony.

e. paradivisa, the branching form of the frogspawn coral, can be propagated much more safely and easily.

For an excellent article on propagation of flabello-meandroid corals such as e. divisa, see this article from Reefkeeping Magazine: Propagation of Anchor and Brain Corals

Aggression

Very agressive. This coral sends out sweeper tentacles that can be damaging other corals. Be sure to leave plenty of room between your e. divisa and its tankmates.Considered a Killer coral, sweeper tentacles will attach to near by corals and pump them full of toxins

Availability

Commonly available. Fairly expensive.

Other Issues

Be wary of brown jelly disease: tissue loss accompanied by a brown, gelatinous mass of bacteria. This disease spreads quickly and often will overtake and kill an entire colony.

It is imperative to inspect your e. divisa colony carefully for damage before purchasing it. It is also extremely important to avoid placing the coral in the tank where it may fall or be stung by other corals. Brown Jelly disease is often a secondary infection, taking advantage of a weakened or damaged coral. Avoid tissue damage at all costs. Some success with neomycin sulfate mixed with water and applied as a paste has been reported *note* antibiotics can affect filtration and water monitoring should be carried out.