Common name: Mushroom Coral

General information

The Mushroom Coral, Rhodactis rhodostoma, is a species of corallimorph that resembles a mushroom, hence its common name. It is a popular choice among reef aquarium hobbyists due to its ease of care, vibrant colors, and interesting texture. Unlike stony corals, Mushroom Corals do not have a rigid calcium carbonate skeleton, which makes them more adaptable to varying conditions in the aquarium.

Care

Mushroom Corals are hardy and can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from low to moderate. They prefer indirect lighting and moderate water flow. These corals are not demanding when it comes to water quality, but stable parameters are always beneficial for overall health. They can reproduce asexually in the aquarium through a process called pedal laceration, where new mushrooms form from fragments of the parent's foot.

Symbiosis

While Rhodactis rhodostoma does not have a specific symbiotic relationship with fish or invertebrates, it is often found in the company of various small creatures in the wild that seek refuge among its folds. In the aquarium, they can provide a similar microhabitat.

Habitat

In the wild, Rhodactis rhodostoma is typically found in shallow lagoons and reef slopes, often in areas with soft substrates where they can anchor their pedal disc. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the Western Pacific.