Fragging Green Star Polyps (GSP) coral is often described as one of the easiest soft corals to propagate, primarily because of its unique growth structure and the simple methods that can be used. The most straightforward technique involves gently removing sections from surfaces where they are growing.
Understanding GSP Growth
Green Star Polyps, known for their vibrant green polyps and purple mat, grow by spreading a mat-like base over surfaces in your aquarium, such as live rock, back walls, and even glass. This mat-like growth makes them ideal candidates for a non-invasive fragging method.
Why Frag GSP?
- Propagation: Create new colonies for trading or gifting to other hobbyists.
- Control Growth: GSP can be fast-growing and may spread onto other corals, so fragging helps manage its footprint.
- Aquascaping: Use frags to establish GSP in new locations within your tank.
How to Frag GSP: The Slicing and Peeling Method
According to experienced aquarists, including insights from videos like "Fragging Green Star Polyps - Saving Coral From WAR," the easiest and most common way to frag GSP, especially when it's attached to flat surfaces like glass or rock, is by using a slicing and peeling motion.
- Prepare Your Tools: You will need a sharp, clean blade (like a scalpel or a new razor blade) and a container of tank water. Having coral glue or plugs ready is also helpful for mounting the frags.
- Locate the Mat: Identify the area of GSP you wish to frag.
- Slice the Edge: Carefully place the blade against the edge of the GSP mat where it meets the surface (glass, rock, etc.).
- Peel Off: Gently slide the blade under the mat while applying a slight lifting pressure. The reference specifically notes that "the easiest way to cut the soft coral is by slicing it and peeling it off, especially with green star polyps it just peels right off your back glass, your back wall, and even your rocks."
- Cut to Size: Once you have lifted a section of the mat, you can use the blade or scissors to cut it into desired frag sizes while keeping it submerged in tank water.
- Mounting: The fragged GSP mat can then be attached to a frag plug or small piece of rock using coral glue, rubber bands, or even simply by placing it in a low-flow area where it can attach itself. Ensure the polyps face upwards.
This method minimizes stress on the colony as you are simply separating the mat from the substrate rather than cutting through thick tissue.
Post-Fragging Care
- Place the new frags in a suitable location with appropriate flow and lighting.
- Monitor the parent colony and the frags for signs of stress. GSP is typically resilient and recovers quickly.
- Ensure good water parameters are maintained.
Fragging GSP using the slicing and peeling technique is straightforward and effective, making it a great coral for beginners to practice propagation with.
