Yuma, Ricordea, Rhodactis - Popular Mushroom Coral Species for Reef Aquariums

An Overview of Yuma Mushroom Coral

Yuma mushroom coral is a unique and visually striking species of coral often kept by saltwater aquarium hobbyists. With their tentacle-like oral discs arrayed in a concentric pattern resembling a mushroom cap, mushroom corals comprise some of the most popular and commonly kept large polyp stony (LPS) corals in the hobby.

While a number of different coral species fall under the mushroom coral designation, three of the most popular variants are the rhodactis mushroom, Ricordea mushroom, and the Yuma mushroom coral itself. Each of these species has its own distinctive features and requirements for care, but all share the characteristic mushroom-shaped oral disc and relatively easy husbandry once their needs are met.

Rhodactis Mushroom Coral

The rhodactis mushroom (Rhodactis mussoides), also sometimes called the elongate mushroom, is one of the most prolific mushroom coral species. Native to shallow warm waters of the Indo-Pacific, rhodactis mushrooms can thrive under a wide range of conditions in the home aquarium.

These corals grow in a solitary fashion, meaning each oral disc rests on an individual base as opposed to forming a larger colony. In the wild, rhodactis mushrooms anchor themselves on rock or rubble substrates. Their oral discs can extend several inches in diameter in well-fed specimens.

The tentacles of the rhodactis are typically short and tapered, extending just an inch or two beyond the outer edge of the disc. These tentacles come in a range of colors including green, brown, purple, and others. The interior of the oral disc also contains unique radial lines in various hues.

In terms of husbandry, rhodactis mushrooms are quite hardy and can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, from low to moderate intensity. They prefer gentle flow in the tank and respond well to periodic target feeding of meaty items like mysis shrimp or vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. This helps maintain their vibrant colors and health.

Key Care Guidelines for Rhodactis Mushrooms:

• Moderate to low light levels
• Low to moderate flow
• Weekly target feeding
• Stable water parameters

Ricordea Mushroom Coral

Ricordea mushroom corals are another immensely popular species in the aquarium trade. Often called Ricordea yuma, Ricordea florida, or simply ricordea mushrooms, these corals originate from the waters of the Pacific Ocean and have a more uniform, rounded oral disc compared to other mushrooms.

Unlike solitary rhodactis mushrooms, ricordea form colonies by budding off new individual polyps. The oral discs can display a startling array of fluorescent colors including intense greens, oranges, and purple. Ricordea are most famous for their pulsating polyps that extend and contract throughout the day.

In terms of placement in the aquarium, ricordea mushrooms do best positioned on exposed rockwork. Many aquarists also have great success mounting these corals to plugs or frag disks. Strong water flow and light is ideal for ricordea health and coloration.

For feeding, target feeding meaty items or specialized coral foods several times per week is recommended. Ricordea mushrooms can be more sensitive to deteriorating water quality than other species, so maintaining excellent water parameters is key.

Caring for Ricordea Mushrooms:

• Moderate to high light intensity
• Moderate to high water flow
• At least weekly target feeding
• Excellent and stable water parameters

Yuma Mushroom Coral

Lastly, the Yuma mushroom coral (Rhodactis rhodostoma) is considered by many to be one of the most attractive mushroom species available. Its vibrant colors and unique polyp structure set it apart from other corals.

Yumas form colonies through budding and division. Their oral discs can grow up to 8 inches across in mature specimens. Color variations include bright yellows, fluorescent greens, and various mottled patterns across the disc.

The short tentacles of the Yuma mushroom are rounded at the tips, giving them a characteristic "ball-tipped" look. These tentacles extend just past the edge of the oral disc and pulsate slowly throughout the day as the coral feeds.

In terms of placement, Yuma mushrooms thrive positioned on exposed rock, allowing their appendages to capture passing food particles. Lighting and flow preferences are similar to ricordea mushrooms, though Yumas may tolerate slightly lower light. Target feeding is recommended weekly.

One potential downside of Yuma mushrooms is their potential to sting and harm other corals positioned too closely to them. Give them plenty of space from neighboring corals.

Caring for Yuma Mushrooms:

• Moderate light levels
• Low to moderate flow
• Weekly target feeding
• Space away from other corals

In Summary

Yuma, ricordea, and rhodactis mushroom corals are some of the most popular large polyp stony corals kept in home saltwater aquariums. Their unique mushroom-shaped appearance and wide variety of colors make them irresistible to aquarists.

While the three species have slightly differing care needs, they all require stable, high-quality water parameters, moderate lighting, gentle flow, and occasional target feeding for their health and vibrancy. Positioned properly on exposed rockwork in the tank, mushroom corals can make stunning display specimens.

When setting up a reef aquarium, mushroom corals are some of the heartier species that can thrive under a wide range of conditions. Their easy propagation through budding also makes them ideal corals for beginners to gain experience with LPS coral husbandry and positioning.

With proper acclimation, tank placement to meet their needs, consistent water quality, and routine feeding, mushroom corals can thrive for years and showcase their one-of-a-kind appearance in any home saltwater reef setup!