Ricordea Florida Care Guide
Ricordea florida is a Caribbean corallimorph mushroom with bead-like tentacles, hosting zooxanthellae and reproducing by fission in reef tanks.
Overview
Ricordea florida is a corallimorph (false coral) of the order Corallimorpharia. It lacks a skeleton but has internal anatomy similar to hard corals, with a disc-like base and an oral disc bearing short, rounded, bead-like tentacles that contain cnidocytes; its stinging ability is relatively low. Colours include purple, orange, green, blue and yellow, often with differently coloured tentacle tips, and it fluoresces under UV light.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ricordeidae
- Genus: Ricordea
- Scientific name: Ricordea florida
- Authority: Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860
Habitat
The species is found in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, inhabiting reef interiors, shallow waters, rocky areas and pools, typically alone or in small groups. Tentacle colour can vary with depth, temperature, season and environment.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Placement: on rockwork; low to moderate light and gentle flow
Diet
Ricordea florida hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae that photosynthesise and supply most of its energy. It also feeds on zooplankton, occasionally captured small prey and dissolved organic matter.
Reproduction
Asexual reproduction occurs by fission (splitting) and by laceration, in which foot fragments develop into new individuals; sexual reproduction produces planula larvae.
Conservation status
NatureServe assessment: Vulnerable.