From ReefPedia

Actinodiscus (discosoma)

[edit] Discosoma Difficulty: Easy Light: Low - medium Aggression: Somewhat Hardiness: bulletproof Growth Rate: fast Availability: common

pic coming soon

Introduction

Discosoma or mushroom anemones are one of the oldest stand-bys in the reef aquarium hobby. These corals are tolerant of imperfect water quality, are not demanding in terms of lighting and often can be found in bright colors. Mushroom anemones or Discosoma Sp. also reproduce quickly and can colonize large areas if allowed.

Common Names

Mushroom Anemones, shrooms, mushrooms

Scientific Names

Discosoma cardinalis

Discosoma carlgreni

Discosoma coeruleus

Discosoma malaccensis

Discosoma marmoratus

Discosoma mutabilis

Discosoma neglecta

Discosoma mummiferus

Discosoma nummiforme

Discosoma striatus

Discosoma ferrugata

Hardiness

Easy

Flow

Low

Lighting

Low (40 watt) to medium (65 watt).

Mushrooms grow well under 40 watt fluorescents as well as 65 watt PC lighting and T5's. Metal hilide lighting may be a bit intense for some varieties of mushrooms. Mushrooms under such intense lighting may need to be moved to areas of the tank where they are not exposed to direct light.

Water Quality

Keep water quality high (SG 1.023 - 1.025, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Temp. 72 - 78° F)

Placement

Discosoma are not particular to placement so long as they do not get too intensive of light or too vigorous of water flow.

Feeding

While some of their more robust relatives will, most Discosoma do not accept or need to be fed. Seeing as they often grow in conditions where nutrient levels are relatively high they do most likely absorb a fair amount of dissolved organics.

Propagation

Discosoma will readily split on their own once they settle into an aquarium. Often hobbyists will use a razor and cut a wedge shaped piece out of a colony or cut off part of the edge of a Discosoma in order to grow out the new piece. Whenever a coral is cut both the mother colony and the daughter colony should be given excellent water quality and strong water flow. The hobbyist may even opt to dip both pieces in an iodine or other coral dip to keep infections from starting.

Aggression

Discosoma are not overly aggressive although there needs to be sufficient distance from sensitive tank mates such as Acropora.

Availability

Discosoma are readily available, although some outrageously colored individuals are rare.

Other Issues

Common diseases, predators, or other notes on the coral

Articles in category "Discosoma"

There are 11 articles in this category.

D Discosoma Discosoma cardinalis Discosoma carlgreni

D cont. Discosoma coeruleus Discosoma malaccensis Discosoma marmoratus Discosoma mummiferus

D cont. Discosoma mutabilis Discosoma neglecta Discosoma nummiforme Discosoma striatus