Frogspawn coral (Euphyllia divisa) is one of the most beautiful and popular LPS corals in the reef aquarium hobby. Named for its tentacles that resemble frog eggs, this coral features vibrant colors and hypnotic movement that make it a centerpiece in any tank.
As a member of the Euphyllia family (alongside torch coral and hammer coral), frogspawn shares similar care requirements while having its own distinct personality.
Frogspawn Coral Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Euphyllia divisa
- Common Names: Frogspawn, Octospawn
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lighting: Low to Moderate (50-150 PAR)
- Flow: Low to Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive (sweeper tentacles)
- Placement: Mid to Lower tank
- Growth Rate: Moderate
Water Parameters for Frogspawn
Like all Euphyllia corals, frogspawn thrives in stable conditions:
- Temperature: 76-82°F (ideal: 78-79°F)
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 sg
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity: 8-11 dKH
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
- Nitrate: 5-20 ppm
- Phosphate: 0.03-0.1 ppm
Pro Tip: Use the ReefBay app to track your parameters over time. Catching trends early prevents problems.
Lighting Requirements
Frogspawn prefers moderate lighting—too much will cause it to retract and potentially bleach.
- Ideal PAR: 50-150 μmol
- Spectrum: Mix of blue and white (14-20K)
- Photoperiod: 8-10 hours
Start new frogspawn low in the tank and gradually move it up over 2-3 weeks to acclimate to your lighting.
Flow Requirements
Frogspawn needs gentle, indirect flow to:
- Bring food particles to the coral
- Remove waste and mucus
- Create gentle swaying motion
Target: Low to moderate, randomized flow. Tentacles should sway gently—not whip around or stay completely still.
Placement and Spacing
Frogspawn has sweeper tentacles that can extend 4-6 inches at night. Give it space!
- Place in the mid to lower third of the tank
- Keep 6-8 inches from other coral species
- Can be placed closer to other Euphyllia corals
- Secure well—frogspawn can topple if not anchored
Feeding Frogspawn
While frogspawn gets nutrition from photosynthesis, target feeding accelerates growth:
- Foods: Reef Roids, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp
- Frequency: 1-2 times per week
- Method: Turn off flow and target-feed with a turkey baster
Common Problems
Brown Jelly Disease
A bacterial infection appearing as brown slime. Remove affected coral immediately, dip in coral dip, and consider fragging healthy tissue away from infection.
Recession
Tissue pulling back from skeleton. Usually caused by alkalinity swings, high flow, or pest damage.
Won't Open
New frogspawn may take days to open. If an established coral closes, check parameters, reduce lighting, and inspect for pests.
Frogspawn vs Other Euphyllia
The main differences between Euphyllia species:
- Frogspawn: Tentacles end in rounded tips (like frog eggs)
- Hammer: Tentacles end in hammer/anchor shapes
- Torch: Tentacles end in rounded balls with distinct tips
All three can be kept together with less spacing than other corals.
Where to Buy Frogspawn
Looking for quality frogspawn? Browse frogspawn corals on ReefBay from trusted sellers. Colors range from green and gold to rare pink and purple varieties.
Final Tips
- Stability matters most—avoid parameter swings
- Start with lower light and work up
- Give plenty of space for sweeper tentacles
- Target feed weekly for best growth
- Be patient—new corals need time to adjust
Frogspawn makes an excellent addition to any reef tank and rewards patient reefers with stunning growth and vibrant colors!
