Mushroom Corals

Mushroom Corals

💧Low Flow
☀️Low to Moderate Light
Beginner Difficulty
Mushroom Corals (Corallimorphs) are soft corals prized for their hardiness and visual variety. They grow in rounded, fleshy forms that expand and sway gently with water movement, adding soft texture and motion to reefscapes. Often recommended as the perfect entry point into coral keeping, they thrive under low light, tolerate a wide range of conditions, and are easy to care for - making them ideal for new reefers. But their appeal doesn’t stop there: even seasoned collectors chase rare and highly sought-after varieties like Bounce Mushrooms and vibrant Ricordea yuma. From common, budget-friendly Discosoma to premium Ricordea and exotic Rhodactis morphs, Mushroom Corals offer something for every aquarist.

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCnidaria
ClassAnthozoa
OrderCorallimorpharia
FamilyDiscosomatidae, Ricordeidae, Corallimorphidae
GenusDiscosoma, Rhodactis, Ricordea, Amplexidiscus
SpeciesMultiple, including:
  • Discosoma spp.
  • Rhodactis indosinensis
  • Ricordea florida
  • Ricordea yuma

Mushroom Coral is a broad hobby term that refers to various corals within the order Corallimorpharia. These include species from several genera such as Discosoma, Rhodactis, Ricordea, and Amplexidiscus. Many mushrooms sold in the trade are not identified down to the exact species, and many morphs are known primarily by trade names.

Quick Care Tips

Lighting
Low to Moderate
Low
Moderate
High
Flow
Low
Low
Moderate
High
Difficulty
Beginner
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mushroom Corals good for beginners?

Yes! Mushrooms are one of the most beginner friendly corals thanks to their hardy nature and tolerance for a wide range of water conditions, low light requirements, and ease of propagation.

Are Mushroom Corals aggressive?

Some Mushroom Corals can exhibit aggression, but a bigger concern is their tendency to overtake neighboring corals. They spread easily by splitting or detaching, and can quickly crowd out slower growing species. Additionally, some mushrooms may release toxins into the water that can irritate or harm more sensitive corals.

Why is my Mushroom Coral shrinking?

Mushroom Corals can shrink due to changes in lighting, flow, or water chemistry. Sudden lighting increases or high flow can cause them to retract. Ensure they’re not being blasted with flow or exposed to harsh light.

How do Mushroom Corals spread?

Mushroom corals can reproduce in several different ways. They can reproduce asexually by splitting (fission), budding, and pedal laceration. Mushrooms also have the ability to sexually reproduce. Over time, this can create a mat or colony that covers large areas of rock or substrate.

Marketplace Overview

Current Listings
470
Lowest Price
$10
Highest Price
$899
Median Price
$40

Shop over 470 Mushroom Corals

Top Sellers

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Queen City Corals
161 Mushroom Listings
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Top Shelf Aquatics
64 Mushroom Listings
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Reef Exclusive
64 Mushroom Listings
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Corals.com
47 Mushroom Listings
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SeaCo Corals
35 Mushroom Listings
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Austin Aqua Farms
19 Mushroom Listings

How to Choose a Healthy Mushroom Coral

  • Tissue Appearance:

    Look for mushrooms that are fully open and attached. The surface should show no signs of melting, tears, or excessive detachment from the base.

  • Coloration and Pattern:

    Healthy mushrooms have rich, even coloration. Variants like Ricordea or Bounce should show vibrant pigments and clearly visible vesicles or bumps.

  • Foot Attachment:

    Make sure the mushroom is securely attached (not glued) to a plug or rock. Loose mushrooms can be harder to acclimate and may drift away in your tank before anchoring.

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