Rhodactis Mushroom

Rhodactis Mushroom (Rhodactis spp.) – Description & Care

The Rhodactis Mushroom, also known as the Rhodactis Coral, is a hardy and visually striking soft coral found in many reef tanks. These mushrooms are known for their bright colors, which can range from greens, blues, reds, and purples, with some species displaying metallic tones. The polyps of Rhodactis mushrooms are typically large, broad, and fleshy, with a smooth, almost velvety texture. They can form individual polyps or spread out as larger colonies over rocks and substrate, creating a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to any reef tank.

---

Care Requirements:

1. Lighting

• Low to Moderate (PAR 50-150)
• Rhodactis mushrooms are quite tolerant of varying lighting conditions but do best under moderate lighting.
• Blue spectrum lighting enhances their vibrant colors, especially the metallic hues in greens and blues.
• Too much light can cause them to retract or become stressed, while too little light can result in poor coloration and slow growth.

2. Flow

• Low to Moderate Flow
• Rhodactis mushrooms prefer gentle to moderate flow that allows their polyps to sway slightly but not be blown around.
• Strong, direct flow can cause them to retract or become stressed. They do best in areas with stable, indirect flow to keep detritus from settling on their surface.

3. Placement

• Lower to mid-tank, where they can receive indirect light and gentle flow.
• Can be placed on stable rocks or substrate, with space for them to spread as they grow.
• Give them room to expand, as they can spread over large areas over time.

4. Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 SG (35 ppt)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
• Nitrates: 5-10 ppm
• Phosphates: 0.01-0.05 ppm

5. Feeding

• Photosynthetic, but Rhodactis mushrooms can benefit from occasional supplemental feeding.
• Target feed with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids or Benereef).
• While they primarily rely on light, supplemental feeding can boost their growth and vibrant coloration.

6. Tank Mates & Compatibility

• Peaceful and non-aggressive, Rhodactis mushrooms are suitable for community reef tanks.
• They are compatible with other soft corals and can coexist with zoanthids, leathers, and other mushrooms.
• Keep them away from more aggressive corals (e.g., LPS, SPS) to avoid stinging.
• They can be kept with reef-safe fish like clownfish, tangs, and wrasses, but avoid fish that might nip at their polyps.

7. Special Considerations

• Can reproduce by splitting, creating new polyps and colonies.
• Easy to frag if they start to overgrow, though frag carefully to avoid damage.
• Dip before placing in your tank to prevent pests like Aiptasia or flatworms.
• Resilient to water quality fluctuations, but steady parameters will help them thrive and grow quickly.

Rhodactis mushrooms are a low-maintenance coral that can brighten up any reef tank with their rich colors and unique textures. They are ideal for beginner aquarists, as they are tough and adaptable to a variety of environments.