Pocillpora babies

[randythereefer]

Okay this is going to sound like a dumb question but how on earth is it possible for my tank to be invaded by pocillpora babies everywhere. I mean I've heard of other people having this same thing happen but I don't understand it. Is it some sort of asexual reproduction? Its certainly nothing I did. I have one colony that sort of dies off at the very bottom as it grows bigger but I have never have places frags anywhere in the tank. Yet all over the tank I have little pocillpora's growing. Input from others is greatly appreciated.

 

[reedman]

They can expell their polyps (I believe that's the right term), and wherever they land, you get a new colony started (whether you like it or not). I've seen this happen in more than one tank.

 

[kevinpo]

Hi Randy,
It is called polyp bailout. It occurs fairly often with Pocillipora species.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[randythereefer]

So does the pocillopora polyp that leaves the mother colony just float around until it finds a place it will be happy with? So they're exact clones of the original? Just like frags? I was just curious. I count at least ten of these new fuzzy's in the tank.

 

[kevinpo]

Yes they can land in some pretty unusual places. Mine started growing on my Sea Swirl nozzels. They are clones of the parent.

Regards,
Kevin