H.magnifica fragging/propagation techniques?

[maxxII]

I'm curious about the various methods folks here have used to frag or propagate Heteractis magnifica anemones?

I've currently got three in two separate tanks, and would like to get them into my single 120. However, one of them is rather large at approximately 16 inches in diameter.

My longest kept H.magnifica split in my tank a few years ago, for unknown reasons. Not stress related as far as I could tell at the time.

I've heard people like Flighty and Joe Yaiullo use scissors to cut the anemone in half, and I've heard of other people using a large and sharp knife to bisect the anemone.

Recently, I was told about using a skewer and driving it into the mouth of the anemone, down through it's base to the rock, and leaving it like that for several days. It was explained to me that this forces the anemone to split itself to get away from the skewer, and was allegedly a successful endeavor.

I like the concept of the skewer as it would allow the anemone to split itself, (in theory) and I would not have to worry about damaging the siphonoglyphs, the anemone could figure it out.

But obviously, I'm a little apprehensive to do something like this and possibly kill the anemone.

Any other thoughts or ideas?

 

[nemmy]

I had a mag get past my foam covers on a vortech and get half mauled. I cut it in half with a knife and then treated it with cipro with it sitting on a rock. Then I transferred the rock to the display. I threw out the mauled half and it did survive the cutting and healed. But it didn't survive more than 6 months I'd say. It just got smaller and smaller over time until it was a 50cent piece and wouldn't hold on anymore. Granted it was a newer nem to begin with not an established one. It was a walker and was moving all over the tank. So I can't say if it would have survived long term if it never got hurt or the cut did it in slowly. If I had it one year + I'd say the cut did it but it was to soon to know.

I haven't heard much success with manual splits with mags. Its one of those things that people are too scared to try due to the price/beauty/attachment to their nem. Its not like bubble tips where they are easily tank bred, cheap, and survive almost anything. I'd say its a 50/50 shot that it works and that both halves survive.

 

[ThRoewer]

There are two magnifica strains/varieties: one that splits and forms clone colonies and one solitary that doesn't split.
If they split on their own, fine - let them split at their own terms.
If an individual doesn't split while others in the same system do it repeatedly I would assume it to be one of the non-splitting kind and I would not try to force it.

If it gets too big, find it a new home, but don't try to cut it in half - it may not survive it. Wasting anemones is a terrible thing - every one take from the reefs means one less pair of clownfish.

 

[ca1ore]

Agreed. Have had both. The ones that don't split get huge, and need rehoming eventually. I imagine trying to cut one would kill it. The ones that do split, will often do it at a quite modest size.

Flighty had that thread here (Fragged my Magenta Magnifica) chronicling her successful efforts. I actually have one of the second generation splits from that animal.

 

[nemmy]

How are the two varients able to be distinguished from each other? I do know I've had long tentacle variety and short tentacle with nobby tips variety. The latter being my current 1.5 year in captivity mag.

 

[ThRoewer]

How are the two varients able to be distinguished from each other? I do know I've had long tentacle variety and short tentacle with nobby tips variety. The latter being my current 1.5 year in captivity mag.

Only by the fact that one splits and the other not.
The only definitive answer you will get is when you have one splitting or when you get a clone from someone who had them split on their own.
Otherwise it's safest to assume to have a non-splitting form until proven differently.

 

[nemmy]

Only by the fact that one splits and the other not.
The only definitive answer you will get is when you have one splitting or when you get a clone from someone who had them split on their own.
Otherwise it's safest to assume to have a non-splitting form until proven differently.

I'll wait it out and see then. I just love mines morph and would like more all over. No way I'm cutting it.

 

[AD87]

I have cut them in the past with success and have it documented here in RC it's an old thread.

 

[ca1ore]

How are the two varients able to be distinguished from each other? I do know I've had long tentacle variety and short tentacle with nobby tips variety. The latter being my current 1.5 year in captivity mag.

The issue I have found also is that even clones of the same anemone can look quite different from each other under different lighting and flow conditions.

 

[OrionN]

I used a skewer with one success and the other was a failure. One divided right away, the other just stay and does not do anything. After several days, I removed the skewer and the anemone healed. I cannot recommend the skewer method after trying it out.

 

[OrionN]

Agreed. Have had both. The ones that don't split get huge, and need rehoming eventually. I imagine trying to cut one would kill it. The ones that do split, will often do it at a quite modest size.

Flighty had that thread here (Fragged my Magenta Magnifica) chronicling her successful efforts. I actually have one of the second generation splits from that animal.

remember you promised I get first dip if he ever split or you cut him in two.