Mushroom Coral

About

Mushroom coral (Pleuractis taiwanensis) is a solitary, free-living stony coral native to the waters around Taiwan, found across a range of depths from the shallows down to around 30 meters on tropical reef systems in the Northwest Pacific. Like other members of its group, it takes the classic domed, disc-like form that gives mushroom corals their common name. A single large polyp that sits unattached on the substrate rather than cementing itself to rock. That free-living habit is one of its more interesting traits, as the coral can right itself if overturned and may slowly reposition itself across sandy or rubble-strewn areas. In the aquarium, Pleuractis taiwanensis is generally regarded as a manageable choice for those newer to keeping large-polyp stony corals. It does best with moderate lighting and gentle, low-intensity flow. Too much current can stress the polyp and interfere with feeding. Because it sits on the sandbed rather than being mounted on rock, placement is straightforward, though you should make sure it has enough space and won't be shaded out by neighboring corals. Overall it's a solid, understated reef inhabitant for anyone looking to branch into LPS territory.