Description
Strawberry Interstellar – Discosoma spp.
Discosoma spp., known as the Strawberry Interstellar, is a stunning, high-end morph of the Interstellar mushroom that radiates vivid magenta and deep strawberry-red tones accented by metallic flecks of blue, green, and gold. Under actinic or blue-spectrum lighting, this coral glows with a celestial brilliance reminiscent of a nebula—its colors shifting subtly as it expands and contracts throughout the day. Hardy, compact, and incredibly photogenic, the Strawberry Interstellar adds a premium, collector-grade aesthetic to any reef display.
Lighting: Low to moderate (50–120 PAR); best fluorescence achieved under blue or actinic lighting, while excessive white light can reduce contrast
Flow: Low; prefers gentle, indirect current to prevent lifting or tissue damage and to promote natural, dome-like expansion
Placement: Bottom to mid-level on stable rock or rubble; isolated placement recommended, as the coral may spread by pedal laceration
Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–440 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nutrients: Moderate to elevated (NO₃ 10–20 ppm, PO₄ 0.05–0.15 ppm); slightly nutrient-rich water enhances pigmentation and overall tissue thickness
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; benefits from dissolved organics and occasional fine coral foods such as reef roids or phytoplankton blends
Aggression: Low; non-stinging but may overgrow nearby corals if space is limited
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate; propagates naturally through fission or pedal laceration under stable conditions
Care Level: Easy – resilient and well-adapted to varied reef environments
Compatibility: Peaceful; ideal for mixed reefs and mushroom-dedicated setups, provided adequate space from stony corals
