Fuzzy Mushroom (Capnella spp.) – Description & Care
The Fuzzy Mushroom, also known as Capnella, is a beautiful soft coral that is highly prized for its unique, fuzzy appearance. The polyps of this mushroom are covered with fine, hair-like structures that give it its characteristic "fuzzy" look. Fuzzy mushrooms are typically tan, brown, green, or pink in color, and they can grow into large, bushy colonies. These mushrooms are relatively hardy and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for beginner and intermediate reef tank owners.
Care Requirements:
1. Lighting
- Moderate to Low Lighting (PAR 50-150)
- Fuzzy mushrooms prefer moderate lighting, but they are adaptable and can also tolerate low lighting.
- They can do well under LED, T5, or metal halide lighting, but it’s essential to avoid strong direct light, which can stress them out and cause them to retract.
- In lower lighting conditions, they may lose some of their vibrant colors and grow more slowly.
2. Flow
- Low to Moderate Flow
- Fuzzy mushrooms thrive in gentle to moderate flow environments, where the polyps can sway lightly but aren't blasted by strong currents.
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Too much flow can cause the polyps to retract or become damaged, while too little flow can lead to detritus buildup on the surface.
3. Placement
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Lower to mid-tank, depending on the light intensity.
- Place them in areas where they can receive indirect flow and moderate lighting.
- Fuzzy mushrooms can spread over time, so give them enough space to expand and grow into a larger colony.
4. Water Parameters
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Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
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Salinity: 1.023-1.025 SG (35 ppt)
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pH: 8.1-8.4
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Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
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Calcium: 400-450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
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Nitrates: 5-10 ppm
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Phosphates: 0.01-0.05 ppm
5. Feeding
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Photosynthetic, but can benefit from occasional supplemental feeding.
- They can capture zooplankton or phytoplankton in the water column, but feeding is not essential.
- Target feeding with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or brine shrimp can help boost growth and coloration.
- They will also absorb nutrients directly from the water, so supplemental feeding isn't always necessary.
6. Tank Mates & Compatibility
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Peaceful and non-aggressive, fuzzy mushrooms are a good choice for community reef tanks.
- They can be placed with other soft corals, such as zoanthids, other mushrooms, or leathers.
- Keep them away from SPS and LPS corals as they can be aggressive toward corals with longer sweeper tentacles.
- Safe with reef-safe fish like clownfish, wrasses, and tangs. Avoid aggressive fish that may damage or nip at the polyps.
7. Special Considerations
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Fuzzy mushrooms are known for their ability to reproduce by budding, forming new polyps around the base or edge of the colony.
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Fragging is relatively easy; however, it’s best to do so carefully to avoid harming the coral.
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Dip before placing in the tank to prevent pests like flatworms or Aiptasia.
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Monitor for overgrowth—while fuzzy mushrooms are generally non-aggressive, they can sometimes compete for space if overcrowded.
Fuzzy mushrooms are low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of environments, making them great for aquarists of all skill levels. Their fuzzy appearance and relatively slow growth rate make them a perfect addition to many reef tanks.
