Sarah Brown
Bounce mushrooms, also known as Rhodactis coral, are a type of marine species that are highly sought-after by collectors due to their rarity and mysterious nature. These mushrooms are characterized by their enlarged polyp tissue, which creates bouncy bubbles. While the exact cause of this enlargement is not fully understood, it is believed to be the result of a combination of factors, including irregular lighting and water conditions not commonly found in nature, as well as genetic predispositions. Some speculate that intense lighting, particularly in the blue spectrum, plays a significant role in inducing the enlargement, while others suggest it may be a sunburn response or a defence mechanism. Additionally, the rarity of bounce mushrooms in the wild and the lack of definitive knowledge about their creation further contribute to their high value and desirability among collectors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of bounce in mushrooms | High UV levels, intense blue lighting, water conditions, bacterial infection |
| Where bounce mushrooms are found | Vietnam, Indo-Pacific |
| Types | OG Bounce Mushroom, Magic Carpet, Blue Rhodactis, White Rhodactis, Green Mushroom |
| Price | Up to $10,000 |
| Maintenance | Basic maintenance, no feeding required |
| Propagation | Fragging |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Intense blue lighting
Blue light, especially in the blue sun spectrum, is essential for the vegetative growth stage of mushrooms. It promotes healthy mycelium development, enhances flavour, and achieves a more natural development pattern. Blue light with a wavelength of 320 to 400 nm stimulates mushroom formation. However, these wavelengths belong to invisible ultraviolet light, so cultivators must choose their lighting carefully.
While blue light is beneficial for many mushroom species, it is not universally the best choice for all mushrooms. For example, some mushrooms, like enoki, can be grown in complete darkness. In the case of enoki mushrooms, the absence of light encourages them to grow longer and thinner, a desirable trait for this variety.
Bounce mushrooms, which appear to retract their caps and push up heavy vesicles or bubbles, are believed to be the result of intense blue lighting. Some sources suggest that the 'bounce' is a sunburn response by the mushroom. Bounce mushrooms were originally found in Vietnam at a depth of around 40m and did not exhibit bounce morphology until they were held in shallow holding trays under LED lights. The high UV levels and deep blues in specific tanks are thought to cause UV damage and swelling, resulting in cancerous and benign vesicles.
It is important to note that blue light alone is not sufficient for the entire mushroom growth cycle. Red light is also required for fruiting. Light intensity is crucial for proper mushroom development, and the ideal intensity depends on the mushroom type and growth stage. While some mushrooms, like oyster, thrive under more light, others, like shiitake, favour lower light conditions.
Mushrooms in Quesadillas: A Culinary Adventure
You may want to see also
Defence mechanism
Bounce mushrooms, also known as Rhodactis coral, are a type of mushroom coral found mostly in the Indo-Pacific. These mushrooms are characterised by their enlarged polyp tissue, which creates bouncy "bubbles". While the specific cause of this enlargement is not fully understood, it is believed to be a result of defence mechanism and exposure to intense lighting, particularly in the blue spectrum.
One theory suggests that the "bounce" in these mushrooms is a defence mechanism against intense lighting. Some hobbyists have observed that their mushrooms exhibit more pronounced "bouncing" when exposed to heavy blues or intense blue lighting. This theory is supported by the observation that bounce mushrooms collected from deeper waters, where UV levels are significantly lower, do not show significant bubble formation until they are brought closer to the surface or exposed to artificial lighting.
The role of lighting in inducing the "bounce" response is further supported by the experiments conducted by hobbyists. Several individuals have reported that their mushrooms "bounced" more under specific lighting conditions, such as LED lights or a combination of T5 and LED lights. In contrast, others have found that their mushrooms lost their "bounce" when moved to different lighting conditions, even with higher light intensities. This suggests that the specific spectrum and quality of light, rather than solely its intensity, play a crucial role in inducing the "bounce".
While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, some researchers speculate that the "bounce" may be a sunburn response by the mushroom to intense or irregular lighting conditions. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that the "bounce" is often more pronounced in mushrooms exposed to direct sunlight or intense artificial lighting. Additionally, the "bounce" is thought to be a temporary response, as some mushrooms have been observed to recover and return to their normal morphology when placed under more appropriate lighting conditions.
The defence mechanism of bounce mushrooms against intense lighting may also be related to their health and vitality. Hobbyists have noted that their mushrooms appear healthier and more vibrant when exhibiting prominent "bouncing". This could be an indication that the "bounce" is a protective response, allowing the mushrooms to shield themselves from excessive light exposure and potential UV damage.
Mushrooms: A Surprising Source of Protein?
You may want to see also
Irregular lighting
The lighting conditions in aquariums differ from those found in the natural habitat of Rhodactis corals, which are typically collected at greater depths where UV levels are significantly lower. With the introduction of LED lighting and UV channels, these deep-water species are now subjected to higher levels of UV radiation and intense blue light, triggering a response similar to sunburn in the mushrooms.
Some aquarists have observed that their mushrooms exhibit more pronounced "bounce" under specific lighting conditions, such as ATI T5 or LED lights. On the other hand, some mushrooms seem to lose their bounce when exposed to the same lighting conditions, indicating that the relationship between lighting and bounce is complex and may be influenced by other factors as well.
It is worth noting that the "bounce" phenomenon is not universally considered desirable. While some collectors seek out these rare mushrooms and are willing to pay high prices for them, others prioritize the overall health and aesthetics of the mushroom. Additionally, the "bounce" characteristics may be indicative of cancerous or benign growths caused by UV damage, which can take a long time to heal.
Overall, while irregular lighting, especially intense blue light, is thought to be a key factor in causing mushrooms to bounce, it is not the only factor at play. Water conditions, nutrient levels, lineage, and age are also believed to influence the development of bounce in mushrooms.
Philly Cheesesteaks: Mushrooms or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Water conditions
Firstly, water quality is essential. Bounce mushrooms, also known as Rhodactis coral, thrive in slightly "filthy" water with higher levels of nitrates. Maintaining optimal nitrate levels is crucial for their growth and health. Pristine or excessively clean water with low nitrate levels may hinder their development and reduce their characteristic bounce.
Additionally, water flow plays a part in the growth of bounce mushrooms. Water circulation in the aquarium influences the availability of nutrients and the overall health of the mushrooms. Proper water flow ensures that nutrients are effectively distributed, promoting healthy growth.
The depth at which bounce mushrooms are collected and kept can also impact their appearance. In their natural habitat, Rhodactis corals are found at depths of around 40 meters, where they are shielded from intense UV radiation and specific light spectrums. When collected and placed in shallow holding trays or aquariums, they become exposed to higher UV levels and different lighting conditions, triggering the enlargement of polyp tissue and the formation of bouncy "bubbles."
It is worth noting that the "bounce" response in mushrooms can be either benign or malignant growths. While high UV levels are considered a primary cause, other carcinogens, such as specific lighting conditions, may also trigger these responses. Prolonged exposure to intense lighting, especially in the blue spectrum, can lead to UV damage and the formation of keloids, which take considerable time to heal.
In summary, water conditions, including water quality, flow, and depth-related light exposure, are critical factors that influence the health, appearance, and unique characteristics of bounce mushrooms. Providing optimal water conditions and considering the impact of lighting can help cultivate healthy and vibrant bounce mushrooms.
Mushroom Cultivation: The Surprising Truth About Shit
You may want to see also
Bacterial infection
Bacterial blotch, caused by the pathogen Pseudomonas fluorescens biotype G, is a common bacterial infection in mushrooms. It causes the formation of lesions on mushroom tissue that are pale yellow initially but later turn a golden yellow or rich chocolate brown. This discoloration is superficial, no more than 2 to 3 mm deep, and the underlying mushroom tissue may appear water-soaked and grey or yellow-grey. Blotches usually appear when the mushrooms are in the early button stage but can appear on mushrooms of any age, even on harvested refrigerated mushrooms or mushrooms over-wrapped with a watertight film.
Bacterial blotch can develop on the outer surface of a mushroom—on the cap or stem or both—at any stage of mushroom growth or development. Bacteria splashed onto a mushroom surface will reproduce in moist conditions, such as when water condenses or remains on the mushroom surface for several hours. Condensation forms when saturated (with water vapour) air is present and warmer than the cap surface. The cap surface is cooler than the surrounding air when water transpires from the mushroom due to active mushroom growth; transpiration produces a cool surface. Slight fluctuations in air temperature during cropping can cause the air to vacillate between the saturation point and not being saturated, even though the absolute water vapour content remains constant. Warm air holds more water vapour than cool air, so as the air temperature increases, the air becomes less saturated with water vapour; the inverse is also true.
Intensive cultivations of edible mushrooms can often be affected by bacterial diseases that cause significant production loss. These infections are facilitated by the conditions under which mushroom cultivation is carried out, such as warm temperatures, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, and the presence of pests. Bacterial infections can also affect mushroom farms, damaging mushroom quality and causing yield loss.
Mushrooms can also cause bacterial food poisoning. In 2001, a small outbreak of E. coli food poisoning was investigated in the UK. Another instance of food poisoning was caused by Enoki mushrooms imported from Korea, which were found to contain Listeria monocytogenes. This outbreak resulted in 36 cases, 31 hospitalisations, and four deaths. Staphylococcus, a salt-tolerant bacteria, has also been known to cause mushroom-related food poisoning.
Mushroom Coffee: Where to Buy and Shop Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Bounce mushrooms, also known as Rhodactis coral, are a type of furry mushroom coral found mostly in the Indo-Pacific. They are known for their enlarged polyp tissue, which creates bouncy "bubbles".
The exact cause of bounce mushrooms' enlarged polyp tissue is not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to irregular lighting and water conditions not commonly found in nature. Specifically, intense blue lighting and high UV levels have been implicated in causing the bubbles associated with bounce mushrooms.
Bounce mushrooms are rare because they are rarely found in the wild, and the methods for creating them in aquarium settings are not yet fully understood. This scarcity has led to high prices and consumer interest in these mushrooms.
