Dream Catcher Mushroom Coral

Dream Catcher Mushroom Coral

Overview

Dream Catcher Mushroom Coral features a domed disc covered in large, bubble-like vesicles with vivid radial coloration. Ricordea yuma is a soft mushroom polyp; keep it under moderate light and low to moderate, indirect water flow. It hosts symbiotic algae for photosynthesis and accepts small meaty foods, which can boost growth and color. Place on stable rock with space around it, as it may expand over neighbors and can be irritated by strong flow or sudden light changes.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Low–Moderate
Placement Low–Mid
Temperament Semi-aggressive (3–4 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 1280–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, zooplankton/microplankton, marine snow, coral-specific powders

Care & Placement

Dream Catcher Mushroom Coral (Ricordea yuma) thrives in stable, moderate reef conditions. Provide moderate to low light (PAR ~50–120); start in shade or at the tank’s lower third and increase exposure gradually over 1–2 weeks to prevent bleaching. Give low to moderate, indirect flow—enough to keep detritus from settling but not so strong that the polyps fold or lift. Target feed 1–2 times weekly with small meaty foods (mysis, chopped krill, reef roids) or high-quality pellets; avoid overfeeding to prevent fouling. Keep temperature 76–80°F, salinity 1.025–1.026 specific gravity, pH 8.0–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm. Moderate nutrients are fine (nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.10 ppm). Test weekly; use a refractometer and keep swings minimal—this species is sensitive to rapid changes.Place on rock rubble or stable rock in low to mid positions; avoid direct contact with sand that can irritate tissue. Leave 2–3 inches from neighbors. Ricordea have a mild sting and can be harmed by aggressive corals like euphyllia and some zoas, so give space. Drip acclimate 30–60 minutes and consider a gentle iodine/coral dip after shipping. Signs of stress include gaping mouth, excessive slime, or fading; reduce light, adjust flow, and check parameters. Tissue recession often points to detritus buildup or unstable alkalinity. If a polyp detaches, place it in a low-flow cup with rubble to reattach. Regular observation and small, steady adjustments yield best growth and color.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Dream Catcher Mushroom Coral

  • Why do some Ricordea yuma “melt” soon after purchase, and how can I prevent it?
    Yuma are sensitive to rapid changes, especially light and nutrients. Many come from shaded, turbid habitats and bleach or rot under sudden high PAR or ultra-clean water. Acclimate over 2–3 weeks: start at 50–70 PAR with gentle, indirect flow. Keep stable salinity and temperature, and avoid aggressive dipping; a mild iodine dip is safer. Moderate nutrients (nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.05–0.15) help.
  • My Dream Catcher’s colors dulled. Is it bleaching or just spectrum shift?
    Often it’s spectrum and nutrition. Yuma show best fluorescence under strong blue with modest white; too much white can wash colors, while too little nutrients reduce pigments. Aim for blue-heavy lighting at 50–120 PAR, stable nutrients, and occasional micro-feedings (reef roe, fine mysis) once or twice weekly. If tissue is thinning/translucent, reduce light and increase feeding.
  • My yuma keeps detaching and drifting. Is this stress or normal behavior?
    Detachment is a stress response to excess flow, abrupt lighting, irritation (vermetid snails, sand abrasion), or unstable parameters. Reduce flow to gentle, random movement and place on a shallow rubble “nest” so the foot can reattach. Check for vermetids and sharp edges. If newly imported, give shaded placement and avoid frequent handling until fully tacked down.
  • Are there pests or infections unique to yuma, and how do I treat them?
    Yuma can develop mouth/tissue rot after stress; early signs are gaping, slime, and rapid tissue loss. Isolate and use an iodine dip; in severe cases, a short ciprofloxacin bath in a hospital container can save tissue. Watch for flatworms and vermetids causing irritation; manual removal and targeted treatments help. Maintain gentle flow to keep detritus from collecting on the polyp.