Boschma's Mushroom Coral

About

Boschma's mushroom coral (Cycloseris boschmai) is a small, solitary stony coral described only relatively recently, making it one of the lesser-known members of the fungid family in the hobby. Individual polyps stay compact, typically under 50 mm across, with a flat, robust, circular disc and a gently raised center. The septal margins carry noticeable granulations that give the surface a textured, almost etched quality up close. Coloration varies quite a bit from specimen to specimen, running through mottled combinations rather than any single consistent hue, which means each one has a slightly individual look. In the wild this species lives on the lower slopes of reefs across the Western Central Pacific, a benthic dweller that simply rests on the substrate rather than attaching permanently. That free-living habit carries over into the aquarium. These corals can and do move slowly, so placing them on open sandy or rubble areas where they won't get wedged under rockwork makes sense. They prefer moderate light and low water movement, conditions that broadly suit a mixed reef without specialist equipment. Given those modest demands, Boschma's mushroom coral is a reasonable choice for a beginner reef keeper who wants an interesting and tactile-looking stony coral without a steep learning curve.