Mushroom Coral
Pleuractis moluccensis
A laid-back free-living coral that sits on the sand and asks for very little.
About
Mushroom coral (Pleuractis moluccensis) is one of those species that makes reef-keeping approachable without sacrificing the satisfaction of keeping a true stony coral. Found across the Western Central Pacific, this free-living coral spends its life unattached to the reef structure, resting instead on sandy or rubble-strewn substrates at depths ranging from the shallows down to around 40 meters. That free-living habit is part of what makes it interesting in the aquarium. Rather than being glued to rockwork, it sits on the sandbed and can even right itself if tipped over, which never gets old to watch. The colony takes a classic solitary mushroom or disc shape, with a single large polyp that gives it a clean, sculptural look in the tank. It falls into beginner-friendly territory because it tolerates lower, indirect flow and moderate lighting without much fuss, making it forgiving compared to many other small-polyp stony corals. Placement on the sandbed away from direct powerhead blast is the main thing to get right. It is considered reef safe, so it fits comfortably into a community system without threatening neighbors, provided it has a little personal space around it on the substrate.
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 aggressive?
- The Mushroom Coral is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- Is the Mushroom Coral reef safe?
- The Mushroom Coral is generally considered reef safe.