Emma Wilson
Mushroom corals are generally hardy corals, but they can shrink when stressed. If your mushroom coral has shrunk, it is likely due to lighting issues, poor water quality, improper acclimation, neighbouring corals, insufficient water flow, or poor nutrition. Providing a stable environment is key to successfully keeping corals. Mushrooms thrive with a low PAR level between 50 and 150, but some can tolerate stronger lighting. They also require a gentle water flow to keep debris off their delicate polyps and to cycle nutrients and trace elements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for shrinking | Too much light, poor water quality, improper acclimation, not enough water flow, poor nutrition |
| Lighting preference | Low light, low PAR level between 50 and 150 |
| Water flow preference | Gentle water flow |
| Water parameters | pH, alkalinity, nitrate |
| Natural behaviour | Shrinking and closing throughout the day, splitting naturally |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom corals may shrink due to too much light
Mushroom corals, also known as Corallimorphs, are a diverse group of corals that are popular among aquarium hobbyists due to their ease of care and low-maintenance lighting and water flow requirements. They are native to low-light environments in places like Australia, Tonga, Indonesia, the Caribbean, and coastal Florida.
While mushroom corals require light to survive, as it drives the photosynthesis process, they do not need as much light as other types of corals. In fact, they thrive in low-light conditions with a PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) value of 50-150 and an 8-10 hour lighting schedule under T5HO lights. Providing them with more than 12 hours of light can be detrimental, potentially causing them to turn white.
Mushroom corals have a unique relationship with light. When the lighting conditions are right, they will fully open and lay flat on their substrate. However, when exposed to too much light, they may react by shrinking. This is because, in their natural habitat, mushroom corals expand and "fluff up" to catch more light when it is scarce. So, when placed under potent lights, their instinctual response is to shrink down.
To prevent mushroom corals from shrinking due to excessive light, it is important to gradually acclimate them to their new lighting environment. This can be achieved by starting with dimmer lights and slowly increasing the intensity over a week or so. Alternatively, you can move the coral to a sandbed and then gradually relocate it to your desired location. It is worth noting that mushroom corals typically look their best in lower-lit areas of the tank. Additionally, they should be placed near the bottom of the tank to receive indirect lighting and shade, mimicking their natural habitat.
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They may also shrink at night
Mushroom corals may shrink at night, and this phenomenon can have several causes. Firstly, lighting plays a crucial role in the behaviour of mushroom corals. When exposed to excessive lighting, mushroom corals tend to shrink and move away from intense light sources. This is because they prefer lower light intensities, typically thriving within a low PAR level range of 50 to 150. However, it's important to note that some mushroom corals can tolerate stronger lighting conditions.
In addition to lighting, water flow is another essential factor for mushroom corals. Insufficient water flow can cause them to shrink and move in search of better conditions. This is because proper water flow helps keep their delicate polyps free from debris, such as fish waste and uneaten food, while also ensuring a constant supply of nutrients and trace elements. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a gentle water flow and maintain a stable environment to promote the health and growth of mushroom corals.
Mushroom corals may also shrink due to stress or discomfort caused by various factors, such as poor water quality, improper acclimation, neighbouring corals, inadequate nutrition, or fluctuations in water parameters like pH, alkalinity, and nitrate levels. When newly introduced to an aquarium, mushroom corals may take time to adjust to their new environment, and they should initially be placed in lower sections of the tank or under low lighting to prevent them from turning white.
It is worth noting that some individual mushroom corals may have unique behaviours, such as shrinking and closing up at night, only to reopen during the day. This behaviour can be quite common and may not always indicate an issue. However, if the mushroom coral remains closed for extended periods, it may be a sign of stress or discomfort, and steps should be taken to address potential causes, such as excessive lighting or poor water flow.
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Poor water quality may cause shrinking
Poor water quality may cause your mushroom coral to shrink. Mushroom corals are photosynthetic, deriving most of their nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae algae within their tissues. They require stable water conditions and gentle water flow to keep debris like fish faeces and uneaten food off their delicate polyps. If your mushroom coral is not receiving enough water flow, it may move, or you may need to move it to an area with more flow or increase the power of your water pump.
Regular water testing and maintenance are crucial to keeping water parameters stable. The common offenders are usually pH, alkalinity, and nitrate. For pH, add a buffer to replenish the carbonate and bicarbonate. If alkalinity drops are an issue, increase the alkalinity by performing water changes and adding chemical buffers. If you have a spike in nitrates, add a nitrate remover, reduce the number of fish in your aquarium, or get a bigger tank.
Industries along coastlines often dump pollutants straight into the ocean, including heavy metals, oil, and other harmful chemicals. These pollutants can have catastrophic effects on coral reefs, building up in the tissues of marine organisms and causing long-term health issues. Plastic pollution is also a growing problem, with plastic debris physically damaging coral structures and harming their growth.
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Inadequate water flow could be a factor
If your mushroom coral has shrunk, there could be several reasons for this. Firstly, it is important to note that mushroom corals are generally hardy and tough to kill. They may shrink and close up at night when the lights are off, and this is a natural occurrence. However, if your coral has shrunk during the day, there may be some factors to consider.
One key factor could be inadequate water flow. Mushroom corals thrive with a gentle water flow as it keeps their delicate polyps free from debris such as fish waste and uneaten food. It also ensures a constant supply of nutrients and trace elements. If your coral is not receiving enough water flow, it may move to find a better location. Therefore, it is important to ensure your coral has sufficient water flow, either by moving it to an area with more flow or increasing the power of your water pump. However, be cautious not to place it too close to the lighting fixture or blast it with high-pressure water, as this can damage its tissues.
In addition to water flow, lighting conditions are crucial. While mushroom corals can tolerate small changes in lighting, they may shrink if exposed to intense lighting for prolonged periods. Corals that are happy and comfortable will usually extend their polyps towards the light. If your coral is shrinking, try moving it to a shaded area with lower lighting, as they thrive in low PAR levels between 50 and 150.
It is also important to maintain stable water conditions, as mushrooms can be sensitive to fluctuations in parameters such as pH, alkalinity, and nitrate. Poor water quality, improper acclimation, and inadequate nutrition can also contribute to shrinking.
If you have checked all these factors and your coral continues to shrink, it may simply need more time to adjust to its new environment, especially if it was recently introduced to the tank or acquired from the wild.
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It may take time to acclimate to a new environment
If your mushroom coral has shrunk, there could be a number of reasons why. Firstly, it is common for mushroom corals to shrink at night, so if you notice a size difference, this could be why. Secondly, if your coral is new, it may take time to acclimate to its new environment. Mushroom corals can take a while to get used to their new surroundings and may shrink if they feel uncomfortable. This is often due to too much lighting, but it can also be caused by poor water quality, improper acclimation, neighbouring tank inhabitants, inadequate water flow, or poor nutrition.
Mushroom corals thrive with a low PAR level between 50 and 150, but some can tolerate stronger lighting, so it is important to know what type of mushroom coral you have. If your coral is shrinking, try moving it to a shaded area or reducing the lighting. It is also important to provide a stable environment for your coral, as mushrooms may be able to tolerate small changes in water parameters, but larger fluctuations can be harmful.
In addition to lighting, water flow is crucial for mushroom corals. They need a gentle but consistent water flow to keep their delicate polyps free of debris and to ensure a constant supply of nutrients and trace elements. If your coral is not receiving enough water flow, you may need to move it to a different area or increase the power of your water pump, being careful not to blast the coral directly as this can damage its tissues.
Overall, if your mushroom coral is shrinking, it is important to check your lighting, water flow, and water quality to ensure your coral has the best environment in which to thrive. It may take some time for your coral to adjust to any changes, but mushrooms are tough and can usually bounce back from minor setbacks.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom corals tend to shrink at night, so if it looks smaller than usual, it may just be closed up for the evening.
Mushroom corals may shrink due to too much light. They tend to move away from intense lighting, but if they can't, you should move them to a shaded area.
Poor water quality, improper acclimation, unfavourable water flow, and poor nutrition are all common reasons for mushroom corals shrinking.
Maintain a stable environment with the correct lighting and water flow. When introducing a new coral, place it lower down in the aquarium or under low lighting to allow it to acclimate.
Check your water parameters, particularly pH, alkalinity, and nitrate levels. If these are stable, try moving your coral to an area with more water flow or increasing the power of your water pump.
