Glitter Rhodactis Mushroom Coral

Glitter Rhodactis Mushroom Coral

Overview

Glitter Rhodactis Mushroom Coral displays a fleshy, wavy disc covered with short bubble-like vesicles that shimmer. Rhodactis sp. is a soft, mushroom-type corallimorph that thrives in low to moderate light and gentle to moderate water flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but accepts small meaty foods, which can support growth and color. Place on rock with space around it, as it can spread and may irritate nearby corals if touched.

Quick Facts

Care Easy
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Low–Moderate
Placement Low–Mid
Temperament Semi-aggressive (3–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F
pH 8.1–8.4
Salinity 1.025–1.026
Calcium 400–450 ppm
AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH
Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic, chopped mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, microplankton, coral-specific foods, marine snow

Care & Placement

Glitter Rhodactis Mushroom Coral (Rhodactis sp.) thrives with stable, moderate conditions and gentle handling. Provide low to moderate light (PAR ~50–120); start in shade and increase over 1–2 weeks to prevent bleaching. Use low to moderate, indirect flow to keep detritus from settling on the oral disc without causing the polyps to fold. Ideal parameters: temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.024–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 2–15 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Test weekly and confirm salinity with a refractometer. Rhodactis is photosynthetic but benefits from occasional target feeding 1–2x weekly with small meaty foods or fine coral foods; turn off pumps for 10–15 minutes and avoid overfeeding.Place low to mid in the tank on rubble or an isolated rock, with 3–5 inches of space. They can spread and irritate neighbors, especially SPS and some LPS; generally safe with most fish and inverts. Avoid direct contact with aggressive corals and anemones. Acclimate with a 30–45 minute drip and reduce light for the first week. Watch for stress signs: gaping mouth, excessive slime, or tissue pulling back signal too much light/flow or unstable parameters—reduce intensity, adjust flow, and perform small water changes. If detaching, lower flow and place a rubble cup to help reattach. Stability and gentle light changes are key to steady growth and color.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Glitter Rhodactis Mushroom Coral

  • Why does my Glitter Rhodactis shift between glittery speckles and a duller look?
    The metallic flecks pop under blue-heavy spectrum and moderate PAR (roughly 60–120). Too much white or high PAR can wash them out, while very low light mutes sparkle. Stable nutrients (not ultra-low), moderate flow, and consistent iodine/trace levels support fluorescence. If it stretches upward or pales, lower intensity or move to a shaded, indirect-light zone.
  • My Rhodactis inflated like a bubble and then deflated—normal or a warning sign?
    Periodic inflate/deflate cycles help it shed mucus and waste. Concern arises if it stays gaping with a slack mouth, tissue thins, or edges curl for days. Increase gentle, indirect flow, run fresh carbon for allelopathy, and verify salinity and alkalinity stability. If tissue slimes or smells, use an iodine dip and isolate.
  • Can it overrun my rockwork or sting neighbors?
    Yes. Rhodactis spreads by pedal laceration and can irritate nearby LPS/zoas with short but potent nematocysts and mucus. Place on an isolated rubble island to contain growth, leave 2–3 inches around sensitive corals, and use carbon when mixing with leathers. If it starts creeping, trim the foot edge and remove new buds before they anchor.
  • It stopped accepting food and looks “puffy” but thin—what should I check?
    Check PAR first; excess light causes energy stress and feeding refusal. Verify temperature and salinity swings, and ensure flow isn’t direct. Look for vermetid snails or filamentous algae irritating the disc. Run fresh carbon to reduce chemical stress. If recession starts, perform an iodine dip, trim necrotic tissue, and move to a shaded, low-turbulence spot.