Ricordea Coral
• Common Name: Ricordea Mushroom, Flower Mushroom Coral
• Scientific Name: Ricordea spp. (Ricordea florida, Ricordea yuma)
• Class: Anthozoa
• Origin: Caribbean (Ricordea florida), Indo-Pacific (Ricordea yuma)
• Category: Soft Coral
• Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Temperament: Peaceful (but can spread aggressively)
• Lighting: Low to Medium (PAR 75-200)
• Flow: Low to Moderate (gentle, indirect flow)
• Placement: Bottom to Middle (best on rockwork or sandbed)
• Growth Rate: Moderate
Overview:
Ricordea corals, commonly known as Flower Mushrooms, are among the most vibrant and colorful soft corals in the reef-keeping hobby. They have short, fleshy tentacle-like structures covering their disc, giving them a unique, bumpy texture compared to Discosoma or Rhodactis.
There are two main species:
• Ricordea florida – Found in the Caribbean, generally hardier and more beginner-friendly.
• Ricordea yuma – Found in the Indo-Pacific, often larger but more sensitive than R. florida.
Tank Requirements & Water Parameters:
Ricordeas prefer stable conditions but tolerate a wide range of parameters:
• Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
• Alkalinity: 7-10 dKH
• Calcium: 380-450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
• Nitrate: 5-15 ppm (prefers moderate nutrients)
• Phosphate: 0.03-0.1 ppm
Unlike stony corals, Ricordeas thrive in tanks with moderate nutrients and do not require ultra-low nutrient levels.
Lighting Needs:
• Ricordeas prefer low to medium lighting (PAR 75-200).
• Too much light can cause them to bleach or detach.
• Lower light can result in a more extended, fuller appearance.
Tip: If a Ricordea starts moving away from its placement, it may be receiving too much light.
Flow Requirements:
• Low to moderate, indirect flow is best.
• Too much flow can cause Ricordeas to detach and drift.
• They thrive in gentle, random currents that allow them to expand fully.
Feeding & Nutrition:
While Ricordeas contain zooxanthellae and can survive on photosynthesis alone, they benefit from supplemental feeding. They have a visible mouth at the center of their disc and can actively capture food.
• Ideal Foods:
• Phytoplankton
• Reef amino acids
• Powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids, Coral Frenzy)
• Finely chopped Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or fish eggs
Feeding 1-2 times per week can encourage faster growth and deeper coloration.
Placement & Aggression:
• Placement: Bottom to middle of the tank, on stable rockwork or rubble.
• Aggression: Peaceful, but they can spread quickly and may crowd out other corals.
Tip: If you want to control their spread, place them on an isolated rock to prevent them from overtaking the tank.
Growth & Propagation:
Ricordeas grow moderately fast and reproduce via:
1. Natural Division: A single mushroom splits into two over time.
2. Pedal Laceration: Small pieces left behind regenerate into new mushrooms.
3. Manual Fragging:
• Use a sharp razor or scalpel to cut a Ricordea into sections.
• Attach frags to rubble using rubber bands or mesh until they reattach.
Popular Color Morphs & Variations:
Ricordeas are known for their insanely bright colors and are highly sought-after. Popular variations include:
• Rainbow Ricordea – A mix of fluorescent orange, green, blue, and purple
• Neon Green Ricordea – Intense green, glows under actinic lighting
• Orange Ricordea – Vivid orange disc with yellow and green highlights
• Blue Ricordea – Deep blue and purple hues
• Pink Ricordea – Rare pink and lavender shades
Challenges & Common Issues:
• Bleaching or color fading: Often due to excessive lighting or ultra-low nutrients. Reduce intensity or move to a shaded area.
• Detaching from rockwork: Happens when flow is too strong or lighting is excessive. Secure them until they reattach.
• Melting or shrinking: Can be caused by sudden parameter swings or exposure to toxins from soft corals. Keep water conditions stable.
• Algae or cyanobacteria buildup: Ricordeas do not like detritus settling on them, so ensure gentle flow to keep them clean.