Laura Smith
While there are mushrooms that are referred to as copper striped or green striped, these are not actual mushrooms but are instead a type of saltwater aquarium coral. These mushroom corals, also known as mushroom anemones or disc anemones, are visually appealing and can be a great addition to a reef aquarium. They display a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns, with some varieties featuring stripes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Copper striped mushroom coral |
| Other names | Mushroom Anemones, Disc Anemones, Actinodiscus Mushrooms |
| Type | Corallimorphs, Soft corals |
| Color | Green |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive, Hardy, Fast-growing |
| Diet | Nutrients, Particulate matter, Symbiotic algae zooxanthellae |
| Light requirement | Medium light level |
| Water flow requirement | Low to medium water flow |
| Placement | On an island with adequate spacing |
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What You'll Learn
Copper striped mushroom coral
While there are mushrooms that have stripes, such as the green striped mushroom coral, there is also a variety called "copper striped mushroom coral". These are technically not corals but are often referred to as soft corals or corallimorphs. They are also known as discosomas and are among the fastest-growing mushrooms. They are hardy and can spread quickly, so they should be placed on an island in a reef aquarium as they can take over rockwork. They are semi-aggressive and can sting other corals, so they require adequate space. Copper striped mushroom corals can also expel their mesenterial filaments, which contain nematocysts and digestive enzymes, to kill other corals.
Mushroom corals are distinct from other corals by their oral discs, which are umbrella-shaped or flat and circular. Their mouths, or hypostomes, protrude like pursed lips. They have tentacles that look like little bumps, warts, or beads, usually referred to as papillae or verrucae. The "stalk" of the mushroom is called the column, and the part that attaches to the substrate is called the pedal disc or "foot". Mushroom corals are considered polytrophic, relying on zooxanthellae and photosynthesis for energy. They absorb nutrients directly from the water, and aggressive skimming in a reef aquarium may cause them to struggle. Some mushroom corals will prey on fish or other invertebrates.
Mushroom corals are commonly found in deeper waters, shaded waters, or directly beneath other corals. They are considered easy to keep and ideal for beginner aquarists. They are also known as false corals because they lack a calcareous skeleton, similar to the stony corals of Scleractinia. They are in the order Corallimorpharia and the subclass Hexacorallia (or Zoantharia), which means their polyps have tentacles in multiples of six.
Actinodiscus mushrooms, also referred to as mushroom anemones and disc anemones, are another type of mushroom coral. They come in a variety of colours, including red, orange, green, blue, purple, and some metallics. They may be solid in hue or heterochromatic, as well as spotted, splotchy, or striped. Under high-intensity lighting, the zooxanthellae may become concentrated, causing the coral to turn dull or brown.
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Corals vs. mushrooms
There are indeed striped mushrooms, specifically saltwater aquarium corals for marine reef aquariums. These are called Actinodiscus Mushrooms, also referred to as Mushroom Anemones and Disc Anemones. They are hardy, easy to maintain, and multiply quickly under the right conditions. They are semi-aggressive and require adequate space between themselves and other corals.
Mushroom corals are distinct from other corals by their oral disc, which is umbrella-shaped or a flat, circular disc that surrounds their opening. Their mouths protrude, unlike other corals that have flat or concave mouths. Mushroom corals are considered polytrophic, relying on zooxanthellae and photosynthesis for energy. They are commonly found in deeper waters, shaded waters, or directly beneath other corals. They are ideal for beginner aquarists.
Corals are considered animals, whereas mushrooms are not. Corals look like tons of mini-anemones and have microfilaments that group into contractile fibers but are not true muscles. They use a water pressure system to trap their prey. Carnivorous plants, on the other hand, like the Venus Fly Trap, get their energy from photosynthesis and eat other organisms to supplement their nutritional needs.
Mushroom corals are not to be confused with stony mushroom corals or mushroom leather corals. They are commonly called "false corals" because they lack a calcareous skeleton. They are in the order Corallimorpharia and the subclass Hexacorallia, which means the polyps have tentacles in multiples of six.
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Saltwater aquarium corals
While there are mushrooms with stripes, they are not corals. These are called Copper striped mushrooms or Copper striped mushroom coral, but they are not actual corals. They are, in fact, discosomas, which are technically between corals and anemones, and are referred to as soft corals.
Saltwater corals are visually stunning and very popular. There are over 6,000 varieties of coral, and they have varying needs. Some are more sensitive to light and water chemistry than others. For beginners, it is best to start with varieties that are more forgiving.
Mushroom Corals
Also called Mushroom Anemones, Disc Anemones, or simply “Mushrooms”, these are among the best coral for beginners. They are soft corals that are forgiving and gradually grow on you.
Green Star Polyps (GSP)
GSP is a soft coral that is very popular among beginners. It can thrive in any combination of lighting, water flow, and placement. It adds movement to the tank with its polyps swaying hypnotically with the flow of the tank. It grows rapidly and unchecked, it can grow on rocks, the sides of the tank, and even over other corals.
Pulsing Xenia
Pulsing Xenia has much in common with GSPs but is slightly more sensitive to tank conditions. It is still a good choice for new tanks as it is extremely hardy. It is known for its pulsing motion, with its polyps opening and closing, making it fascinating to watch. It is one of the few corals that can move or "pulse" on their own without water flow.
Kenya Tree Coral
Also known as Cauliflower Soft Coral or Broccoli Soft Coral, these look like tiny underwater trees. They prefer moderate to high lighting and moderate flow. They require some space to avoid inadvertent shading of adjacent coral. They are also known to exude chemicals that could damage other corals.
Zoanthids/Palythoa
These are a subset of soft coral that is extremely bright and colorful. Their bright colors, hardiness, and tolerance of fragging make them appealing to first-time reef keepers. They have over 100 varieties to choose from, with a wide range of color combinations.
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Green striped mushroom
There are indeed striped mushrooms, and they come in a variety of colours, including green. These green-striped mushrooms are a type of mushroom coral, which are not true corals but are evolutionarily between corals and anemones. They are known as corallimorphs and are often referred to as soft corals. They are called "mushrooms" due to their shape.
Green-striped mushroom corals are sensitive to light conditions. They thrive in low-light environments, growing larger and expanding to a diameter of up to 4 inches. In such conditions, they also reproduce by shooting off "shroomettes" in multiple directions. However, when exposed to direct lighting, they tend to shrivel up, detach, and float away. Therefore, it is recommended to place them under overhangs or on lower vertical surfaces to shield them from intense light.
Mushroom corals are hardy and fast-growing. They can spread quickly and take over rockwork if not properly managed. They are also known to be somewhat aggressive and can sting other corals, so they require adequate spacing. Additionally, they have a unique method of feeding, expelling their inside guts, mucus, and digestive enzymes to consume their prey.
It is important to note that the term copper striped mushroom is a trade name, and the scientific identification of this organism is essential for precise species identification. Microscopes are necessary for experts to differentiate between the various species within the Parasola genus.
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Mushroom anemones
The growth rate of mushroom anemones is generally very high, and they can disperse across large areas due to their rapid asexual reproduction. They are capable of movement, but it is incredibly slow, on the scale of millimetres per month. This means that they tend to stay in the same general area where they were "born". Mushroom anemones are typically purchased already attached to a small rock, which makes them easy to handle and place in a tank. However, this also poses a small risk of introducing pests, so it is important to carefully examine the rock before putting it in the tank.
One of the most common types of mushroom anemones is the red mushroom anemone, also known as the mushroom coral or disc anemone. It gets its name from its reddish-maroon colour, which is due to the presence of symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae. Red mushroom anemones can vary in shade from red to pink or purple, and they usually range from one inch to one foot in diameter. Instead of tentacles, they possess various types of stinging cells, and they feed by changing the direction of water flow to move food towards themselves.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are striped mushrooms, specifically saltwater aquarium corals for marine reef aquariums. They are also referred to as mushroom anemones, disc anemones, or mushroom corals.
They display a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns. Some are solid colors, while others are striped or spotted. Striped varieties are usually green.
Striped mushrooms are semi-aggressive and can sting other corals, so they require adequate space between themselves and other corals and sessile invertebrates.
They are hardy and relatively easy to maintain. Under the right conditions, they will multiply and spread very rapidly. They need a medium light level and a low to medium water flow within the aquarium, although different species may have different requirements.
