Mushroom Coral

Actinodiscus spp.

Animalia›Cnidaria›Anthozoa›Discosomatidae

📍 Indo-Pacific Reef Systems

Mushroom corals (discosoma) are flat, fleshy soft corals available in a huge range of colours including green, blue, red, and metallic. They are excellent beginner corals, requiring low to medium light and tolerating nutrient-rich water better than SPS corals.

Size2"

Min Tank20g

peaceful

Zoneall

Tank Mates

Ocellaris Clownfish

Hardy fish that tolerate similar water conditions and low-flow environments; minimal aggression toward corals

excellent

Cleaner Shrimp

Beneficial invertebrate that maintains water quality without damaging coral tissue

good

Nerite Snail

Peaceful grazer that helps control algae without harming corals or disturbing substrate

excellent

Pistol Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that occupies different tank zones and maintains low bioload

good

Neon Goby

Small, non-aggressive fish that benefits from symbiotic relationships and requires similar water parameters

good

Common Diseases

Coral Bleaching

Symptoms

Loss of color, pale or white appearance, reduced polyp extension

Treatment

Reduce light intensity and temperature stress; ensure stable water parameters (pH 8.1-8.3, salinity 1.024-1.026); improve water flow and quality; allow recovery period in lower light

Brown Jelly Disease

Symptoms

Brown, gelatinous film covering coral tissue; rapid tissue recession; visible slime layer

Treatment

Isolate affected coral; perform 25-50% water change; remove affected tissue with clean tools; treat with iodine-based coral dip; improve water quality and reduce organic load

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Tissue discoloration, slime coating, polyp recession, visible lesions or holes

Treatment

Increase water flow and aeration; perform partial water changes; maintain optimal water parameters; consider antibiotic treatment or coral dips if severe; remove dead tissue

Pest Infestation (Nudibranchs/Flatworms)

Symptoms

Visible small organisms on coral surface, tissue damage, polyp damage, rapid decline

Treatment

Remove visible pests manually with tweezers; dip coral in freshwater or iodine solution; quarantine affected coral; introduce natural predators if possible; improve tank cleanliness