Description
The Discosoma Mushroom is a hardy and adaptable soft coral prized for its smooth, disc-shaped form and wide range of natural color variations. With a fleshy, low-profile structure and subtle surface texture, Discosoma mushrooms add contrast and visual balance to reef aquariums without overwhelming surrounding corals. Their ability to thrive under varied conditions makes them a staple in both beginner-friendly and mature reef systems.
Native to the Indo-Pacific, Discosoma corals grow as solitary polyps or form spreading colonies over time, attaching readily to rockwork and shaded surfaces.
Lighting: Low to moderate; prefers subdued lighting and may expand more fully under blue-leaning LEDs
Flow: Low; gentle, indirect flow is ideal—strong flow may cause detachment or excessive contraction
Placement: Bottom to lower-mid areas of the aquarium on rockwork or isolated rubble to manage spreading
Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
Calcium: 380–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm
Nutrients: Moderate; tolerates elevated nutrients better than many stony corals
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; may benefit from occasional broadcast feeding of fine particulate foods
Aggression: Low to moderate; can spread and overgrow nearby corals if not managed
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; spreads via natural division under favorable conditions
Care Level: Easy – extremely hardy and forgiving, suitable for most established reef aquariums
Compatibility: Generally peaceful; best placed with space to prevent encroachment on slower-growing corals
