Frogspawn corals (Euphyllia divisa) are one of the most eye-catching LPS corals in the reef hobby. Their flowing tentacles, striking fluorescent colours, and hypnotic movement make them a favourite centrepiece coral for reefkeepers at every level. Hardy, adaptable, and rewarding to care for, they’re often the first “showstopper” coral added to new systems and a reliable staple in established tanks.
Natural Habitat & Appearance
Frogspawns are found across the Indo-Pacific in lagoons and reef slopes where flow is gentle to moderate and light is filtered. They come in two forms:
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Branching - tree-like skeleton with individual heads.
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Wall - solid, plate-like base with curtain-style polyps.
Their tentacles end in distinctive tips that sway beautifully in the current and fluoresce under blue lighting. These tentacles serve multiple purposes: feeding on plankton, housing photosynthetic algae, and fending off nearby corals with their stinging cells.
Placement, Lighting & Flow
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Lighting: Moderate (PAR 80-150). Too intense causes bleaching, too little = poor growth.
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Flow: Moderate, indirect - tentacles should sway, not whip violently.
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Placement: Mid to lower tank, with space around them. Their sweeper tentacles can extend several inches, so leave a buffer from other corals.
Water Parameters
Consistency is more important than perfection. Aim for:
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Temp: 24–26°C
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Salinity: 1.025 SG
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Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
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Calcium: 420–450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
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Nitrates: 5–10 ppm | Phosphates: 0.03–0.08 ppm
Feeding & Nutrition
Frogspawns rely on photosynthesis but thrive with supplemental feeding. Target feed 2–3 times per week with mysis shrimp, enriched brine, or quality coral foods like amino acid/vitamin blends. Regular feeding encourages growth, strong colours, and healthier colonies.
Compatibility & Aggression
Frogspawns are semi-aggressive - their sweeper tentacles can sting neighbouring corals. However, they generally coexist peacefully with other Euphyllia species like hammers and torches, making them popular for creating “Euphyllia gardens.” Always give them enough space to expand.
Propagation
Branching varieties are simple to frag with coral cutters. Wall types are trickier but can still be divided with care. With proper recovery conditions, Frogspawns grow well and can form impressive colonies over time.
Why Keep Frogspawn Corals?
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Gorgeous colour and movement.
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Forgiving and adaptable.
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Suitable for beginners yet rewarding for experts.
Frogspawn corals bring life and motion to a reef tank like few others can. With stable parameters, careful placement, and the occasional feeding, they’ll thrive for years and quickly earn their place as a centrepiece coral in your collection.
