Mushroom Coral
Cycloseris tenuis
A free-living disc coral that roams soft sandy seafloors across the Indo-Pacific.
About
Mushroom coral (Cycloseris tenuis) is a solitary, free-living coral found across a vast range stretching from the coast of Mozambique all the way east to Hawaii and French Polynesia. Unlike many reef-building corals that cement themselves to rock, this species lives unattached on soft sandy and silty substrates between reefs, giving it a somewhat unusual lifestyle for a stony coral. The polyp forms a thin, flat disc with a subtle raised dome at its center, and the surface septa radiate outward in noticeably varied sizes, though each individual septum stays consistent in shape along its length. The underside features thick, irregular costae that help distinguish it from similar disc corals. Coloration tends toward pale brown or yellowish tones. Understated rather than vivid. In the aquarium, Cycloseris tenuis is a reasonable choice for those newer to keeping stony corals. It appreciates moderate lighting and gentle flow, which mirrors the quieter, sheltered conditions it occupies in the wild. Because it is not attached to rock, placement on a sandy or rubble bottom is more natural and practical than trying to prop it on a reef structure. Its wide depth tolerance in nature suggests a degree of adaptability that translates reasonably well to home reef systems.
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.