Rolly pollies (also called pedal lacers) are how zoanthids + mushroom corals reproduce asexually. What happens: a polyp pinches off its base, leaving a small "ball" (1-3mm) that tumbles in current. Where they go: rolls until lodging in a low-flow crevice, then attaches. How to encourage: 1) low flow areas in the display. 2) small frag plugs scattered at the base of the parent. 3) avoid current that flushes them out. How to harvest: place plastic mesh or "polyp catcher" disc near the parent - new pollies attach to it. Common producers: Rhodactis mushrooms, Discosoma, common zoanthids (eagle eye, fire and ice). Less common: Ricordea florida + ricordea yuma divide internally rather than dropping pollies. Asexual vs sexual reproduction: rolly pollies are clones - same genetics. Sexual reproduction in coral is rare in home aquariums; mostly limited to broadcast spawning events in mature systems.
Reviewed by the Fast Aquatics husbandry team · Updated May 2026
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