Hairy Mushroom Coral

The Rhodactis Hairy Mushroom Coral is a member of the order Corallimorpharia and occurs in many colors including brown and tan, and the more colorful green.

It is very easy to maintain in the reef aquarium, and a good choice for the beginner hobbyist. It is somewhat aggressive, however, and can harm sessile invertebrates and overgrow other inhabitants of the reef. It often grows in shallow water, so it prefers a medium to high light level combined with a medium water movement within the aquarium.

Rhodactis indosinensis

Quick Stats: Hairy Mushroom Coral

Family: Discosomatidae
Range: Indo-Pacific
Color Form: Green, Brown, Tan, Purple
Ideal Supplements: Iodine, Trace elements
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Water Flow: Medium
Light: Medium to High
Dominance: Semi-aggressive
Placement: Medium
Care Level: Easy




It reproduces by fission or laceration, and will do so in the home aquarium provided that water conditions are adequate, sometimes causing over-population. A small portion of the base or mouth will separate from the parent polyp and grow into a full sized mushroom within a few months.

The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provide some of its nutritional requirements, but it also eats plankton and some larger organisms.