Mushroom Coral
Cycloseris cyclolites
A free-living, disc-shaped coral that roams soft sandy bottoms solo.
About
Mushroom coral (Cycloseris cyclolites) is one of those corals that surprises newcomers by being genuinely solitary and unattached. A single polyp living as a small, independent disc rather than as part of a larger colony. Found across the Indo-West Pacific, it tends to inhabit soft inter-reef sediments where it sits freely on the substrate rather than cementing itself to rock. The polyp forms a neat circular to slightly oval dome, usually no wider than about 40mm, with a concave underside that helps it sit stably on sandy bottoms. The septa radiating from the central mouth are straight and evenly arranged, with the primary ones being noticeably thicker and raised. Coloration is typically pale cream or soft green, often with white margins along the major septa, though individuals in shallower, brighter water can show more vivid tones. In the aquarium, this is a manageable coral for those getting started with LPS or solitary corals. It appreciates moderate light and gentle, low-flow conditions that mimic the quiet, sandy zones it comes from in the wild. Give it a sandy patch to rest on rather than placing it on rock, and it tends to settle in well without much fuss.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Mushroom Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Mushroom Coral need?
- The Mushroom Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Mushroom Coral reef safe?
- The Mushroom Coral is generally considered reef safe.