Mushroom Rock (WYSIWYG)

Coral Care Guide: Mushroom Coral

Overview
Mushroom Corals are hardy, colourful and adaptable corals that are well suited to both beginner and experienced reef aquarium keepers. They are available in a wide range of colours, textures and forms, from smooth, disc-shaped mushrooms to heavily textured varieties with striking patterns.

Mushroom corals are generally tolerant of a range of aquarium conditions and can be an excellent choice for adding colour and movement to a reef aquarium. Many species can spread and reproduce readily, making them an especially rewarding coral for established systems.

Care Requirements

1. Water Parameters
Maintaining stable and consistent water parameters is important for the health and growth of Mushroom Corals. Recommended ranges include:

• Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Salinity: 1.024-1.026 (specific gravity)
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
• Nitrates: 2-15 ppm
• Phosphates: 0.03-0.10 ppm

Mushroom corals generally tolerate slightly higher nutrient levels than many SPS corals, and an aquarium that is not completely stripped of nutrients can often support good growth and colouration.

2. Lighting
Most Mushroom Corals prefer low to moderate lighting. They can adapt to stronger lighting, but should be acclimated gradually to avoid stress or bleaching.

• Preferred Lighting: Low to moderate (PAR range: approximately 50-150)
• Type of Light: LED, T5, or Metal Halide

Tip: When introducing a Mushroom Coral to a new aquarium, start it in a lower-light area and gradually increase exposure if required.

3. Water Flow

• Flow Type: Low to moderate, indirect flow.

Mushroom Corals generally prefer gentle, variable water movement rather than strong, direct flow. The aim is to allow the coral to move naturally without being constantly pushed around or unable to fully expand.

Tip: Avoid positioning Mushroom Corals directly in front of a powerful wavemaker.

4. Placement

• Mushroom Corals can be placed on rockwork, lower areas of the aquarium or other suitable surfaces.
• Best Placement: Lower to middle sections of the tank, depending on the species and lighting.

Give Mushroom Corals plenty of space to expand. Some varieties can grow considerably larger than their initial size and may spread across nearby rockwork.

Tip: Keep an eye on neighbouring corals, as some Mushroom Corals can sting or overgrow slower-growing corals.

Feeding

Mushroom Corals obtain much of their energy through photosynthesis using their symbiotic zooxanthellae. However, they can also capture and consume small food particles, which can provide additional nutrition and support growth.

• Food Types:
  • Phytoplankton
  • Rotifers
  • Mysis or other finely chopped frozen foods
  • Coral-targeted foods
• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice weekly, if required.

Tip: Target feeding is not essential for healthy Mushroom Corals, but can encourage growth in suitable conditions.

Maintenance

1. Pest Control:
Mushroom Corals are generally hardy, but new specimens should still be inspected and quarantined where possible before being introduced to an established reef aquarium.

2. Cleaning:
Occasionally use a gentle turkey baster to remove detritus or debris that has settled around the coral. Avoid directing excessively strong flow directly at the coral.

3. Growth and Propagation:
Many Mushroom Corals can reproduce through splitting, budding or other forms of asexual reproduction. Given suitable conditions, they can spread across available rockwork.

Tip: Allow sufficient space around Mushroom Corals when planning your aquascape, particularly when keeping fast-growing varieties.

Compatibility

Mushroom Corals are generally hardy and can be kept successfully alongside many other reef inhabitants. However, some varieties can become aggressive towards neighbouring corals through physical contact, stinging or overgrowth.

Allow adequate space between Mushroom Corals and other coral species, particularly slower-growing SPS and LPS corals.

Special Notes

• Handling: Mushroom Corals are generally easy to handle, but care should still be taken to avoid damaging the coral's soft tissue.
• Placement: Avoid placing aggressive or rapidly spreading Mushroom Corals too close to prized corals.
• Signs of Stress: Watch for prolonged failure to expand, unusual discolouration, tissue damage or persistent shrinking. Check water parameters, lighting and flow if these symptoms occur.
• Adaptability: Mushroom Corals are among the more forgiving reef corals and can tolerate a wider range of conditions than many more demanding coral species.

Conclusion
With their vibrant colours, interesting textures and excellent adaptability, Mushroom Corals are a great addition to a wide range of reef aquariums. Their relatively straightforward care requirements make them suitable for beginners, while their huge variety of colours and forms means experienced reef keepers can also enjoy adding them to established systems.

With stable water parameters, suitable lighting, gentle flow and enough room to grow, Mushroom Corals can become a colourful and long-lasting feature of your reef aquarium.

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