leaf mushroom anemone
Platyzoanthus mussoides
Also known as: Elephant Ear, metallic mushroom anemone
A bold, oversized Australian zoanthid that thrives under low light and gentle flow.
About
The elephant ear (Platyzoanthus mussoides) is one of those corals that looks almost too large to be a zoanthid. Individual polyps can spread to a size that genuinely earns the common name, dwarfing the typical button-sized colonies most hobbyists associate with the group. It also goes by leaf mushroom anemone and metallic mushroom anemone in the trade, names that hint at its broad, flattened form and the shimmery quality its tissue can display under aquarium lighting. In the wild it is found within the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone, where it makes its home in lower-energy environments rather than on wave-battered reef crests. That natural preference translates directly into aquarium care: this is a coral that actively dislikes strong flow and intense lighting, so placing it in a dimmer, calmer corner of the tank is the right call. Despite those specific placement needs, it is genuinely beginner-friendly once settled, tolerating the modest fluctuations in water quality that newer reef keepers inevitably encounter. It is also considered reef safe, making it a practical choice for community systems. For anyone wanting a bold, unusual piece with a low-maintenance reputation, this Australian oddity is worth tracking down.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with leaf mushroom anemone
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the leaf mushroom anemone need?
- The leaf mushroom anemone does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the leaf mushroom anemone reef safe?
- The leaf mushroom anemone is generally considered reef safe.