Mushroom Coral
Rhodactis howesii
A forgiving Indo-Pacific mushroom coral that thrives even under low light.
About
Found across reef environments in the Western South Pacific, including waters within the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone, Rhodactis howesii is a disc-shaped corallimorpharian that belongs to the broader group hobbyists commonly call mushroom corals. Like others in the Rhodactis genus, it presents a fleshy, textured disc that can range from smooth to quite bumpy or warty depending on the individual and local conditions, often displaying muted to moderately rich coloration that varies across specimens. In the wild these animals tend to occupy lower-light zones on the reef, which translates well to captivity. They genuinely do not need intense illumination to stay healthy and expand fully, making them unusual among photosynthetic corals in that regard. Low to gentle water movement suits them best, as heavy flow can cause them to remain retracted and stressed. For anyone newer to keeping corallimorpharians or reef tanks in general, this species is a reasonable starting point. It is reef safe and generally tolerant of the kinds of minor parameter swings that newer systems sometimes experience. It does not require target feeding to survive, though occasional small feedings can support good growth over time. Overall it is an undemanding coral that rewards basic attentive care.
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.
- What does the Mushroom Coral eat?
- The Mushroom Coral is a filter feeder. It eats tiny particles suspended in the water and usually needs target feeding in a home tank.
- Is the Mushroom Coral reef safe?
- The Mushroom Coral is generally considered reef safe.