Mushroom Coral Care and Information

Mushroom Coral Care and Information


Mushroom Corals are found in Fiji, Indonesia, Maricultured - Indonesia, Singapore. Mushroom Corals are also known as, Corallimorphs and mushroom anemones. They come in many shapes and colors such as: blue, red, green, brown, purple and they often have stripes, spots, and mottled color variations.

Mushroom Corals are a great coral for any level of reef aquarists. They are very easy to care for as they require little maintenance, are very durable, and quite undemanding. Their pretty appearance is a big attraction for many people and a great addition to reef aquariums.

Mushroom Corals should be given significant space between itself and other corals because they have tentacles that extend from their cap and are a great chemical defense system. They can be aggressive and harmful to other corals and sessile invertebrates. However, fish, crustaceans, and motile invertebrates are safe to co-exist in the same aquarium with Mushroom Corals.

Mushroom Corals can tolerate higher levels of nitrate and some organic compounds. However, they will do better, and have better colors in a healthier aquarium. This trait is part of what makes them so easy to care for and good for beginners. Water conditions are always crucial when it comes to aquariums. As the aquarist, you should always do your best to maintain prime water conditions and all your inhabitants will benefit greatly.

Too large of environmental changes will cause stress to Mushroom Corals, which can lead to problems such as diseases and parasites. If water conditions are not at the best, to match the Mushroom Corals needs they can fold in on themselves, wrinkling, or even shriveling. The Mushroom Coral will generally open back up about a week after the conditions level out, though.

When placing a new Mushroom Coral into the tank, place it lower. Once the Mushroom Coral is fully open, gradually move it to the desired place. Mushroom Corals often will cover the entire thing they're growing on. It's not uncommon for Mushroom Corals to cover an aquarium either, so take the steps necessary to prevent this.

Culturing by a hobbyist is done by cutting off a portion of the Mushroom Coral's crown and attaching it to a piece of live rock, or the sand.

The Mushroom Coral uses symbiotic algae zooaxanth in its body to provide most of its nutritional needs from the light process of photosynthesis. Mushroom Corals do well in moderate to intense lighting. Whenever having a lighting change, it should be done gradually, to not shock the Mushroom Coral. All lighting research should be done based on the specific species though, as it can vary greatly. Mushroom Corals also do well in moderate, to strong water circulation.

A healthy Mushroom Coral will be open completely and pressed flat against its surface, which is generally, some live rock. If the Mushroom Coral is not receiving an appropriate and steady stream of light it will often lose its color and morph their shape into a cup form.


Mushroom Corals benefit from supplements of iodine, strontium, and trace elements. Ensuring proper water conditions is always important for all inhabitants. Although the Mushroom Coral obtains most of its nutrition through the lights and photosynthesis, it will benefit from supplemental foods such as micro-plankton, baby brine shrimp, or other foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates.


Quick Stats:
Care Level: Easy-Moderate** In an established aquarium
Water Flow: Medium to Strong
Lighting: Moderate to Strong
Supplements: Iodine, Trace elements, Strontium
Water conditions: 72-85F, dKH 8-12, sg of 1.020-1.026, pH 7.8-8.4, Phosphates below 0.04and silicates below 0.5ppm
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Maricultured - Indonesia, Singapore

Mushroom Coral Time Lapse