Coral Growth Patterns

[ReefGimp]

I have had my formosa for about a month now and am seeing signs of growth. The base of the frag is encrusting and on its way to covering the epoxy I used to secure it to the rock. I was wonder what to expect in how the coral grows from this point. Does it "sprout" new branches from the encrusting base, or just keep encrusting its way along?

Here is growth at almost a month in the tank...

Thanks for your help!!

 

[reefland]

If you mount a frag sticking upright like that it tends to grow upwards and you have a twig looking colony. If you take that frag and mount it on its side, it will have no choice but to make many branches in an upward direction.

Here is an example with Acropora tortuosa.

About 5 weeks later:

Based on how you mounted yours I would expect mainly upward growth and some branches. I wouldn't expect much from the base for a while.

 

[Anonymous]

Rich - that's a good tip. Thanks.

 

[ReefGimp]

Wow, great info and thanks for the photo....that really illustrated the point. I guess the next frag I add, I will do it that way!!

Thanks!!