Mushroom Coral

About

Mushroom coral (Cycloseris sinensis) is a solitary, free-living stony coral native to the Western Central Pacific, where it inhabits soft sandy and silty substrates between reef structures rather than anchoring to hard rock. That detail alone sets it apart from most corals hobbyists encounter. It simply rests on the substrate and can be gently repositioned if flow or lighting isn't quite right. The polyp is flat and disc-shaped, roughly circular though sometimes irregular at the margins, with a notably deep central pit. The septa are thick and closely packed, alternating neatly between longer and shorter runs, which gives the oral disc a relatively smooth, orderly look. Coloration in the wild runs toward pale brown, though captive specimens may vary depending on the light they receive. Occasionally a polyp will develop more than one mouth, and reproduction by fragmentation can occur, though neither happens with much frequency. Being a soft-substrate species, it appreciates a sandy area to rest on rather than being placed directly on live rock. It tolerates moderate lighting and prefers lower flow, making it a manageable choice for reef keepers who can offer the right placement and a little patience with an unconventional coral that doesn't follow the usual rules.