Ricordea Mushroom - Orange

Ricordea mushroom corals receive most of their energy by utilizing the photosynthetic algae contained within their tissues. They will benefit from occasional feedings of zooplankton and small meaty items such as brine shrimp. They are covered by a thick layer of mucus which helps them consume small edible particles, and they also absorb dissolved nutrients from the water. They are quite adaptable and virtually pest and disease free.

Ricordea mushrooms are peaceful with other corals so long as they do not physically touch them- they have been known to melt other corals, especially stony corals, in this situation. Different colors of Ricordea often co-exist well in close proximity.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Growth Speed: Medium
• Lighting: Medium - High
• Average Placement: Mid Level
• Water Flow: Low
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

The Orange Ricordea is a rare color morph which may show hints of other colors or a brightly hued mouth, and typically arrives loose without any substrate.

It is often beneficial upon introduction to place the coral in low or shaded light and gradually move it to a more brightly lit location. To encourage it to attach to substrate it may be placed in a shallow dish with course rubble or rock. Ricordea may show better color and growth if given higher light levels and more food than more common types of mushroom.

Florida Ricordea are covered in bumps of mainly uniform size, as opposed to Yuma Ricordea which often have larger bumps around their outside edge which gradually become smaller towards the center.