June 2024 to June 2025 to see just how fast soft corals really grow when given the right conditions.

This side-by-side speaks for itself:

Dense coverage from Zoanthids and Rhodactis mushrooms.

Rapid vertical and lateral expansion of soft coral colonies.

Stable lighting, flow, and nutrient management driving visible health and growth.

You can see how the Rhodactis mushrooms have walked along the CoralPod. They leave a small piece of the pedal disc (foot) behind and within a few weeks, this becomes another coral.

If the colony becomes too dense, the mushroom coral will detach and float on the current until it finds a new crevice to attach to and create a new colony.

Let’s bust a common myth:

‘soft corals grow just 2–4 cm per year’. But in practice—and clearly shown here—species like Zoanthids, Rhodactis, sinulara and Xenia can grow far faster under optimal aquaculture conditions. We’ve seen multiple centimeters per month, not per year.

This isn’t just about looks. Fast growth supports:

✅ Sustainable propagation

✅ Commercial viability

✅ Scalable reef restoration strategies

Soft corals deserve more attention in the reef restoration industry—not only for their ecological importance but also for their potential in climate-resilient aquaculture.

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