Atomic Red Rhodactis Mushroom Coral

Atomic Red Rhodactis Mushroom Coral

Overview

Atomic Red Rhodactis Mushroom Coral shows a bright red, textured cap with short, knobby vesicles. Rhodactis sp. is a soft mushroom coral that forms fleshy, disk-shaped polyps; it prefers low to moderate light and gentle to moderate water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for energy but accepts small meaty foods or coral foods, which can support faster growth and better color. Place on rock or substrate with space around it, as it can expand and may sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Easy
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Low–Moderate
Placement Low–Mid
Temperament Semi-aggressive (4–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F
pH 8.1–8.4
Salinity 1.025–1.026
Calcium 380–420 ppm
AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH
Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic, microplankton, zooplankton, finely chopped mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, rotifers, copepods, marine snow, powdered coral foods

Care & Placement

Atomic Red Rhodactis Mushroom Coral (Rhodactis sp.) thrives in stable, nutrient-rich reef conditions with low–moderate lighting and gentle, indirect flow. Aim for temperature 76–80°F (24–27°C), pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.024–1.026, calcium 400–450 ppm, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 2–15 ppm, and phosphate 0.03–0.10 ppm. Test weekly and avoid rapid swings; use an auto top-off to keep salinity steady. Start with acclimation: 30–45 minute drip, then light acclimate by placing in shade or reducing intensity for 7–10 days. Provide soft, random flow to prevent detritus buildup without causing the disc to lift or fold. Feed once or twice weekly with small meaty foods (mysis, chopped shrimp) or reef-safe powders; target feed lightly to avoid overfeeding.Place low to mid in the tank on rubble or an isolated rock to control spreading. Allow 3–4+ inches from neighbors; Rhodactis can sting or overgrow slower corals but coexists well with most softies and LPS when spaced. Avoid direct blasts from pumps and intense light that can cause bleaching; if color fades or the coral shrinks, reduce light and improve nutrition. Signs of stress include persistent gaping mouth, excessive slime, or detachment—check flow and parameters, run carbon for chemical warfare, and perform a small water change. For propagation control, trim or relocate buds before they spread across the aquascape.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Atomic Red Rhodactis Mushroom Coral

  • Why does my Atomic Red Rhodactis shift from bright red to maroon or orange under different lights?
    This coral’s pigments respond strongly to spectrum and nutrients. Heavy white light can wash out reds, while blue-heavy spectrum (actinic) brings them back. Aim for moderate PAR (60–120), NO3 around 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.1. If it pales, reduce intensity or extend blue photoperiod. If it browns, increase blue and stabilize nutrients instead of chasing quick fixes.
  • My Rhodactis is inflating and “walking” off its rock—what’s going on?
    Movement usually signals irritation: excessive light/flow, chemical warfare, vermetid snail harassment, or unstable parameters. Check for nearby stingers, trim vermetid tubes, and lower flow from direct blasts to gentle, variable currents. Reduce light by 20–30% for a week. If tissue looks stressed, try an iodine dip and place it in a shaded, low-flow basket until reattachment.
  • Can the Atomic Red Rhodactis eat small fish or shrimp?
    While not a predator, large, sticky specimens can trap lethargic nano fish or tiny shrimp—especially after feeding when mucus is thick. Avoid overfeeding meaty chunks that boost stickiness, and keep vulnerable tankmates away during target feeding. Provide moderate flow so food doesn’t sit on the disc. If it captures something, gently waft water to encourage release.
  • Why are nearby zoas receding while the Rhodactis looks great?
    Rhodactis release allelochemicals and can expand to shade or physically overgrow neighbors. Give 2–3 inches of space and maintain carbon or poly-filter to reduce chemical stress. Increase random flow to prevent stagnant zones under its skirt. Mount zoas higher or on isolated islands so the mushroom can’t creep across and smother their bases