Blue Ricordea florida Mushroom

RICORDEA YUMA CARE

Ricordea florida mushrooms are a signature Caribbean species and have been popular in the reef aquarium hobby for decades. Their body is covered with a uniform mat of short bubble-like tentacles that give these corallimorphs a distinctive aesthetic. Ricordea florida are generally easy to care for and make an excellent addition to a reef tank for both beginners and experts alike. Please see below for additional care tips for Ricordea

LIGHTING

Ricordea mushrooms do not require as much light as some other corals. It can be kept under normal output fluorescents without much difficulty. In some cases, it may extend more readily under subdued lighting, however it may display more attractive colors when placed under stronger lighting.

Low Light

Low light translates to about 30-50 PAR

Medium Light

Medium Light is between 50-150 PAR

High Light

High Light is anything over 150 PAR

 WATER FLOW

We recommend keeping the mushrooms in a relatively low flow area of the reef display. Too much flow could cause this particular species to become stressed and not extend fully or blow around the tank. If a Ricordea florida polyp detaches from its substrate, place it in a low flow area of the aquarium with some rubble and it will reattach on its own.

 FEEDING

Ricordea derives much of its energy from the products of their zooxanthellae. They can be fed small morsels of food however and may benefit from regular feeding.

 PROPAGATION

This genus for the most part has been propagated extensively in captivity and is an excellent candidate for aquaculture. It is reasonable to believe that a sustainable harvest can be achieved in time.

 ACCLIMATION

Proper acclimation is extremely important considering the stress imposed on the animals by the shipping process.

LOCATION

Ricordea florida are Caribbean mushroom corallimorphs and tend to be hardier than their Pacific cousins (Ricordea yuma).