Elongate Mushroom Coral
Pleuractis paumotensis
A free-living mushroom coral that slowly wanders across the reef floor.
About
The elongate mushroom coral (Pleuractis paumotensis) is one of those solitary, free-living corals that breaks the mold of what most people picture when they think of reef-building species. Rather than cementing itself permanently to rock, it lives unattached on the seafloor, able to right itself if overturned and capable of slowly relocating across sandy or rubble-strewn substrate. In the wild it ranges broadly across the Indo-Pacific, from shallow nearshore reefs down to around 40 meters, giving you a sense of just how adaptable it is to different light and flow conditions. The coral is notably elongated compared to the more circular fungiid relatives many hobbyists are familiar with, which makes it fairly easy to identify in a dealer's tank. For the aquarium, it is generally considered one of the more forgiving coral choices. Moderate lighting suits it well, it prefers gentle water movement, and it does not need to be anchored to rockwork. Placing it on a sandy bottom where it can behave naturally is ideal. Because it is reef safe and not particularly demanding, it can be a reasonable entry point for hobbyists looking to branch out from softies into LPS-style solitary corals, as long as adequate flow and water quality are maintained.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Elongate Mushroom Coral
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Elongate Mushroom Coral get?
- The Elongate Mushroom Coral reaches about 6–10" as an adult.
- What water parameters does the Elongate Mushroom Coral need?
- The Elongate Mushroom Coral does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Elongate Mushroom Coral reef safe?
- The Elongate Mushroom Coral is generally considered reef safe.