Common Mushroom Coral Care Guide
Discosoma neglecta is a hardy mushroom corallimorph that tolerates low light and flow, making it a beginner-friendly reef invertebrate.
Overview
Discosoma neglecta is a mushroom corallimorph, a cnidarian in the order Corallimorpharia that is related to both corals and anemones. Most Discosoma species are disc-shaped, produce large amounts of mucus and display a wide range of colors. It is among the easiest reef invertebrates and tolerates a wide range of tank parameters.
Taxonomy
- Family: Discosomatidae (WoRMS: Discosomidae)
- Genus: Discosoma (Rüppell & Leuckart, 1828)
- Scientific name: Discosoma neglecta
- Authority: (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860)
Habitat
Discosoma corallimorphs occur in both Caribbean and Indo-Pacific reefs. They absorb nutrients produced by symbiotic zooxanthellae living in their tissues and gather particles from the water, so they are largely photosynthetic.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH (alkalinity): 8-11
- Lighting: low to moderate; intense light can harm the tissue
- Flow: low; best polyp extension occurs in near-stagnant water
Diet
Discosoma derive most of their energy from photosynthesis via zooxanthellae and supplement this by absorbing nutrients and gathering particles from the water. Direct heavy feeding is generally unnecessary, though small meaty offerings may be accepted.
Propagation
Mushrooms are among the best corals for first attempts at propagation: they heal well from cutting and grow quickly afterward. The main challenge is reattachment, since they can detach and move, so each cutting should be secured to a piece of substrate that is then glued in place.
Compatibility
It is reef-safe and compatible with most reef fish and invertebrates. Butterflyfish that nip soft tissue should be avoided. Mushrooms may slowly relocate around the tank in search of suitable light and flow.