Mushroom Coral
Discosoma sp.
Hardy, forgiving disc corals that thrive in low light and flow - perfect for beginners.
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Min. Tank Size | 40 L |
| Temperature | 24.0–27.0 °C |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Max Size | 15.0 cm |
| Lifespan | Long years |
| Diet | Photosynthetic + feeding |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
Overview
The Mushroom Coral (Discosoma sp.) is hardy, forgiving disc corals that thrive in low light and flow - perfect for beginners. It is a soft coral rated beginner to keep.
This guide covers how to keep Mushroom Coral thriving in a reef aquarium: lighting, water flow, placement, water chemistry, feeding, how it behaves towards neighbouring corals, and how to propagate (frag) it.
Care Level & Difficulty
Soft corals like this are the most forgiving corals and a perfect place to start reef-keeping, tolerating a wider range of light, flow and water quality.
Lighting
Provide low light for this coral. Soft corals are happy under modest reef lighting. Acclimate any new coral to your lights slowly over a couple of weeks to avoid shock and bleaching.
Water Flow
Aim for low flow. The water should keep waste and detritus from settling on the coral without blasting its tissue. Soft corals sway nicely in moderate flow.
Placement in the Reef
Place the Mushroom Coral in the low/sand area of the reef, matching its light and flow needs. Give it room to grow so it does not shade or touch its neighbours.
Feeding
Like all photosynthetic corals it gets most of its energy from light via the algae in its tissue. It also captures food, so target-feed it with reef foods, mysis or coral pellets a couple of times a week for faster growth and better colour.
Aggression & Neighbours
This is a peaceful coral that will not sting its neighbours - just make sure faster corals don't overgrow it.
How to Propagate (Frag)
It is easy to frag: cut or snip a healthy piece and glue it to a frag plug or rock, and it soon grows into a new colony. Use coral glue or putty, work cleanly, and let cuts heal in stable water. Fragging is also how reefers trade and share corals.
Common Problems
Watch for tissue recession, bleaching (from too much light or unstable water) and pests; soft corals may also 'close up' for a few days while shedding a waxy film, which is normal.
The golden rule for corals is stability - small, steady changes and consistent Alk, Ca and Mg keep them healthy.
Is the Mushroom Coral Right for Your Reef?
The Mushroom Coral suits beginner reef keepers and nano tanks. Provide low light, low flow and rock-solid water chemistry and it will reward you for years. Browse our marine fish and reef guides to build a balanced reef.
