Rainbow Rhodactis Mushroom Coral

Rainbow Rhodactis Mushroom, Rhodactis sp., is a highly textured corallimorph characterized by a broad fleshy oral disc covered with branched, clustered, and knob-like vesicles. This WYSIWYG specimen displays a cool blue to lavender-blue base with an exceptional mix of vivid red, orange, green, mint, pale lavender, and bright white raised vesicles scattered across the disc. Large white branching clusters create especially strong contrast through the central and upper portions, while red and orange vesicles dominate much of the surrounding surface. Green and mint accents are interspersed throughout, and the outer margin shows additional orange highlights. The broad range of contrasting colors gives this specimen a dramatic “Rainbow” appearance. Rhodactis mushrooms contain symbiotic zooxanthellae that provide much of their nutritional needs through photosynthesis, while they can also capture small suspended and meaty foods. Under favorable aquarium conditions, they may expand substantially and reproduce through division or pedal laceration. Because species-level identification within Rhodactis cannot reliably be confirmed from external appearance alone, Rhodactis sp. is the scientifically appropriate designation.

Care Guide: Rhodactis sp. generally performs well under low to moderate reef lighting with low to moderate, indirect water flow. Avoid strong direct flow, which can interfere with full expansion or potentially cause the mushroom to detach from its substrate. Place on stable lower to mid-level rockwork with adequate room for expansion and future spreading. Maintain stable salinity, temperature, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Rhodactis mushrooms receive much of their nutrition through photosynthesis but may benefit from occasional small meaty or planktonic foods. Acclimate gradually when introducing the coral to stronger lighting and avoid abrupt changes in aquarium conditions.