Red-mouth Mushroom Anemone
Rhodactis rhodostoma
A hardy, low-light mushroom coral from the Red Sea that spreads readily on its own.
About
The red-mouth mushroom anemone (Rhodactis rhodostoma) is a corallimorpharian. One of those soft, disc-shaped animals that sit somewhere between true anemones and stony corals in the grand scheme of things. This particular species hails from the Western Indian Ocean, with documented populations in Israeli waters, suggesting it's well adapted to the conditions found along Red Sea and adjacent coastlines. Like other members of the Rhodactis genus, it attaches itself to hard substrate and stays put, expanding its fleshy disc to catch light and passing nutrients. One of the more interesting things about this species is its capacity for clonal reproduction. Given time and stable conditions, a single specimen can multiply into a spreading colony through asexual division, which is worth keeping in mind when planning placement in a reef tank. It's a genuinely beginner-friendly coral, tolerating lower light and gentle flow without complaint, and it doesn't demand the precision that more delicate stony corals require. Just give it a stable environment and room to spread, and it tends to look after itself. A solid first coral for someone just getting into keeping reef animals.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Red-mouth 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 Red-mouth Mushroom Anemone need?
- The Red-mouth Mushroom Anemone does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Red-mouth Mushroom Anemone reef safe?
- The Red-mouth Mushroom Anemone is generally considered reef safe.