Green & Purple Frogspawn

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Green & Purple Frogspawn is a striking stony coral recognized for its fleshy tentacles in green and purple shades. Despite its name, which refers to frog eggs, it is not a fish but a coral from the genus Fimbriaphyllia. This colorful form is valued for its flowing movement and full appearance when properly acclimated. It can nevertheless be sensitive to handling, contact with neighboring corals, and rapid changes in water quality. It is best suited to an established reef aquarium that is stable and large enough to allow full tentacle expansion. Careful placement and consistent marine conditions are essential for long-term success.

General species description

The name Green & Purple Frogspawn refers to a bicolored commercial form of Fimbriaphyllia divisa, formerly widely sold under the name Euphyllia divisa. This stony coral forms a calcareous, branching or partly branching skeleton bearing fleshy polyps that expand when lighting and water movement are suitable. Its tentacles commonly show a green base with purple tips or areas, while fluorescence is enhanced under actinic lighting. It is photosynthetic through its symbiotic algae, but it also benefits from occasional meaty foods. It is generally considered moderately sensitive and requires stable marine water with controlled nutrients, without necessarily being maintained in completely nutrient-free conditions.

Geographical origin and biotope

Reference countries: Indo-Pacific region. The species is associated with tropical coral reefs, including reef slopes, lagoons, and sheltered areas where water movement is regular but not violent. It grows attached to hard substrate, often in areas receiving moderate to strong light and a steady supply of suspended food particles. In aquaria, this origin translates into warm, alkaline, well-buffered saltwater. A temperature of approximately 24 to 27 °C, stable marine density, and indirect circulation are more appropriate than turbulent flow aimed directly at the polyps. The colony should be placed securely because its fleshy tissues can be damaged by falling rocks or excessive movement.

Precise location and local name

The most commonly used vernacular name in the aquarium trade is Frogspawn Coral. Green & Purple Frogspawn is a descriptive name based on colony coloration rather than a scientific or geographical name. The term Frogspawn refers to the appearance of the tentacle tips, which can resemble a mass of frog eggs. Green and purple coloration may vary between colonies and can be influenced by lighting, nutrition, and maintenance conditions. For reliable identification, the shape of the polyps and skeleton should be considered instead of relying only on the color name used by a supplier. Trade names may describe a color form rather than a separate species.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The colony has calcareous branches ending in relatively long, fleshy polyps. When fully expanded, the polyps hide much of the skeleton and give the coral a soft bouquet-like appearance. The tissues usually combine fluorescent green and purple, with shades varying between specimens. The tentacles may touch other members of the same colony, but the coral should be kept away from neighboring corals because it can produce mesenterial filaments or sweeper tentacles. Extra space should also be provided for nighttime expansion, which may exceed the colony’s daytime volume. Strong direct flow can tear the tissues, while insufficient circulation may allow debris to settle among the branches.

General feeding

Like many reef-building corals, Green & Purple Frogspawn obtains a significant portion of its energy from symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae. Suitable lighting therefore supports growth and coloration, but it does not completely replace feeding. Once or twice weekly, small portions of finely chopped marine food or coral preparations can be offered when the polyps are expanded. Feeding should remain moderate to avoid excess organic waste. Temporarily reducing the flow during feeding can help the coral capture food, after which circulation should be restored gradually. Stable water, efficient nutrient export, and measured supplemental feeding support fully expanded polyps and steady growth without unnecessarily polluting the aquarium.

Essential data

• Name of the river of origin: Not applicable to this marine coral.
• Local name used: Frogspawn Coral; Green & Purple Frogspawn.
• Origin of the scientific name: Fimbriaphyllia divisa is the scientific name associated with this commercial form.
• Etymology of the complete name: Fimbriaphyllia refers to the genus morphology; divisa means divided in Latin.
• Common or vernacular names: Frogspawn Coral, Green & Purple Frogspawn.
• Family: Euphylliidae.
• Subfamily: —
• Name pronunciation: fim bree ah FIL lee ah dee VEE sah
• Discovery: George French Angas, 1869.
• Maximum adult size: Colonies can become large in aquaria; final size depends on growth and available space.
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 27 °C; pH 8.0 to 8.4.
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Not applicable; tropical reefs with calcareous substrate and symbiotic algae.
• Typical tankmates: Soft corals placed at a distance, reef detritivores, herbivorous snails, peaceful small hermit crabs, non-predatory shrimp, and calm reef fish.
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful with members of its own colony, but equipped with defensive tentacles; open space is required.
• Water depth: Shallow to intermediate reef areas.
• Sexual dimorphism: Not visible in aquaria.
• Bottom configuration and flow: Stable rockwork or coarse sand; low to moderate, indirect and irregular flow.

For greater success

Long-term success depends mainly on stability: consistent salinity, steady temperature, monitored alkalinity, and well-planned water changes. Place the colony on secure rockwork in an area with indirect flow and moderate to strong lighting. Avoid contact with other corals and leave clear space around the expanded polyps. Careful acclimation, regular tissue observation, and moderate supplemental feeding will help preserve its green and purple colors. This coral has an intermediate level of rarity in the trade and deserves gentle handling and consistently maintained water quality.