Discosoma sp. – mushroom coral

Discosoma is a colorful and very hardy mushroom coral that comes in many different colors and patterns. The surface is usually quite smooth compared to, for example, Ricordea, and individuals can be monochromatic, spotted, striped, or irregularly patterned.

Discosoma belongs to the corallimorphs (Corallimorpharia). In English, they are often referred to as mushrooms, but they are not true corals.

Features

• Very hardy and easy to care for mushroom coral
• Available in many different colors and patterns
• Thrives best in gentle flow
• Reproduces easily in an aquarium
• Also suitable for beginners

Care instructions

• Lighting: low–medium. Around 30–50 PAR is suitable, but Discosoma can also thrive in lighting of approximately 50–150 PAR. Acclimation to stronger light should be done gradually.
• Flow: low. Discosoma clearly thrives better in gentle flow. Too strong a flow can cause the mushroom coral to detach from its substrate and make it difficult for it to reattach.
• Temperature: 24–26 °C
• Salinity: approximately 34–35 ppt
• Feeding: separate feeding is not necessary, but Discosoma can take small foods directly onto its oral disc. Flow can be reduced during feeding.
• Placement: on a rock or other stable substrate in a gentle area of the aquarium.

Reproduction

Discosoma reproduces easily in an aquarium. It can move slowly on the substrate and leave small pieces of its foot behind. New individuals can grow from these.

Additional Information

• Scientific name: Discosoma sp.
• Finnish name: Levyvuokko
• Group: Corallimorpharia
• Natural origin: Indo-Pacific region
• Difficulty level: Easy