Mushroom Coral (Discosoma sp.) Care Guide

One of the easiest corals for beginners, featuring flat disc-shaped polyps in a rainbow of colors including red, blue, green, and purple. Tolerates low light and moderate flow.

Overview

Discosoma sp. is a species in the family Discosomatidae. One of the easiest corals for beginners, featuring flat disc-shaped polyps in a rainbow of colors including red, blue, green, and purple. Tolerates low light and moderate flow. Reproduces readily by splitting. Can thrive in conditions that would stress other corals.

Taxonomy

Family: Discosomatidae
Genus: Discosoma
Scientific name: Discosoma sp.
Other names: Mushroom Anemone, Disc Coral
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Discosoma species are soft corallimorpharians ("mushroom corals") of Indo-Pacific reefs, attaching to rock in lower-light, lower-flow areas. They obtain energy from symbiotic algae and absorbed nutrients and spread readily across the reef, a hardy choice among photosynthetic corals.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 3-10 cm
Lifespan: 5-20 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: photosynthetic. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Wrasses, Gobies, Snails
Avoid with: SPS Corals, Large Hermit Crabs

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.