f you intend to add some variation to your reef aquarium, the frogspawn coral is one species to look out for. Continue reading, for more information on frogspawn coral - with special emphasis on its housing and care.
The frogspawn coral is a large polyp stony coral species which is typically characterized by the visibility of its polyps throughout the day and night. This coral species is generally green or brown in color and has a unique appearance - both of which combine to make it one of the most sought after coral species for reef aquariums. If you are one of those people who are contemplating the idea of adding this species to your reef aquarium setup, you will get well versed with all the tips and tricks of frogspawn coral care as you go through this write-up.
Frogspawn Coral Facts
The frogspawn species derives its name from the fact that its polyps resemble a frog or fish eggs to certain extent. Other than the name frogspawn, this species is also referred to as the grape coral or the octopus coral. The habitat of a frogspawn coral spans across the deep waters of Red Sea, Samoa, Indo-Pacific, Solomon Islands, etc. These marine organisms play a crucial role in formation of coral reefs which have an important role to play when it comes to biodiversity of the planet. This is one of the most aggressive species of coral in the world, and thrives best in stable or moderate flow water. In its natural habitat, the frogspawn coral species does not require direct feeding owing to its symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae. The relationship between frogspawn coral and zooxanthellae is the best examples of mutualism; wherein the former gets benefited from photosynthesis carried out by zooxanthellae and the latter gets benefited by nitrogen produced by the coral species. The long tentacles of the frogspawn coral are armed with Nematocysts - a type of venomous cell, which helps it capture food. This food can either be digested on-site itself or brought to the coral's mouth for feeding.
Frogspawn Coral Care
Experts put the frogspawn coral in the list of species which are moderately difficult to care for, mainly owing to their requirements. The frogspawn coral will only thrive well if the necessary conditions are provided to facilitate its growth. It will grow well in water with pH level ranging between 8.1-8.4 and hardness of 8° to 12° dH. In order to facilitate proper frogspawn coral growth you will have to make sure that the temperature in its habitat ranges between 75°F-82°F. You will also have to make sure that the aquarium in which you house this species has moderate to high lighting and moderate flow of water.
You need to take note of the fact that the frogspawn species is quite aggressive when it comes to interaction with other coral types. The frogspawn coral species has an amazing ability of extending its lengthy sweeper tentacles as far as six inches beyond its base. In this process, it can also sting other coral species in the reef aquarium which are within its reach. That being said, you have to take special precautions when it comes frogspawn coral placement. Ideally, you should make sure that you leave enough space between the frogspawn and other species of corals in your reef aquarium to make sure that they don't harm each other.
The diet of frogspawn coral species includes small marine animals such as shrimp, krill, etc. If you house a frogspawn in your reef aquarium, you can feed it the same food. Basically, this feeding has a crucial role to play when it comes to frogspawn coral growth and color. Owing to their voracious feeding habit, you will require to give it some calcium and strontium supplements as well. Even though it depends on photosynthesis facilitated by zooxanthellae in the wild, you will have to make sure that you provide it with necessary nutrients in reef aquarium.
That was a significant bit of information on frogspawn coral - with special reference to some facts that you need to know if you intend to add it to your reef aquarium. If you don't give the frogspawn necessary attention in terms of the basic requirements mentioned above, you will notice that it will start fading - which is a sign of your frogspawn coral dying. A healthy frogspawn has very bright vibrant colors. The simplest way to make sure that it stays healthy is to follow all the measures of frogspawn coral care given above religiously.