John Miller
Discosoma mushrooms, also known as mushroom anemones, disc anemones, and elephant ear mushrooms, are a common and readily available variety of mushrooms. They are available in a wide range of colours, with green, blue, and red being the most common. They are a great way to add colour to low-light areas of a home reef tank. They are hardy and a good choice for both novice and experienced hobbyists. They should be placed in a low-light area, generally near the bottom of the tank. They can be fragged easily using a razor blade, but attaching the frag to rubble rock or a frag plug is more challenging and may require placing the new frag in a low-flow area of the aquarium to attach naturally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Low light |
| Flow | Low flow |
| Placement | Near the bottom of the tank |
| Colour | Green, blue, red, orange |
| Texture | Smooth |
| Size | Varying sizes |
| Reproduction | Fast reproduction rate |
| Fragging | Straightforward |
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What You'll Learn
In a reef tank with low light and flow
Discosoma mushrooms, also known as Discosoma spp., are soft corals characterised by their disc or mushroom shape and vibrant colours. They are one of the most popular types of coral for home reef tanks due to their resilience, ease of care, and variety of colours and patterns.
When setting up a reef tank for Discosoma mushrooms, it is important to replicate their natural habitat, which is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, including places like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef near Australia. These mushrooms thrive in low to moderate light intensity and prefer gentle water flow, so it is best to position them in the middle or bottom of the tank, away from strong currents that can damage their delicate tissue. They can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, but stability is key. Aim for optimal alkalinity (8-9 dKh) and calcium levels (400-450 ppm) to support their health and growth.
In terms of lighting, they prefer softer light and can even thrive in shady areas. While they can adapt to brighter spots if moved slowly, too much light can cause colour fading or retraction, and they may develop tiny white bumps. On the other hand, if the light is too low, they will form a cup shape as they stretch towards the light. They can also "'bounce" under higher lighting, displaying unique textures.
Discosoma mushrooms are typically placed in the bottom to middle section of the tank, which is perfect for rockwork or open sandbeds. They grow quickly and can spread across rocks, forming dense colonies. To control their spread, it is recommended to place them on isolated rocks or create a "mushroom island" to prevent them from overtaking other neighbouring corals.
While they primarily rely on photosynthesis, supplemental feeding can enhance their growth and colour. They can absorb dissolved nutrients from the water and are not picky eaters. However, maintaining a gentle water flow is crucial, as excessive flow can cause detachment or damage to their tissue.
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Near the bottom of the tank
Dicoma mushrooms, also known as mushroom corals, are visually captivating and come in a wide array of vibrant colours, unique shapes, and textures. They are hardy and easy to care for, making them a perfect choice for beginners.
Mushroom corals can be placed near the bottom of the tank on a rock or the substrate. They have a tendency to spread and attach themselves to surfaces, so it is important to leave enough space between them and other corals to prevent overgrowth and potential aggression.
Mushroom corals are known for their ability to propagate and reproduce easily. A common method of propagation is through "fragging", where a part of the coral is cut and attached to a new surface to grow independently. This can be done by using a clean razor blade to slice through the mouth of the polyp and placing the cut fragment in a shallow tray filled with sand, ensuring that water flows over it. Another method is "pedal laceration", where the mushroom releases pieces of its foot as it moves along the rock, and these pieces can grow into new mushrooms.
To create an ideal environment for Dicoma mushrooms near the bottom of the tank, it is important to maintain stable water conditions and regular water changes. They prefer low to moderate water flow, so avoid placing them near powerheads or other sources of strong water flow. They can adapt to a variety of lighting conditions but tend to do best under moderate to high lighting. LED or T5 lighting is recommended, and the light should be placed above the aquarium and angled towards the corals.
Overall, Dicoma mushrooms are a stunning and resilient addition to any reef tank, and with the right care, they can thrive and enhance the beauty of the marine environment.
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Away from stony corals
When placing Discoma mushrooms, it is important to keep them away from stony corals. Discoma mushrooms, also known as mushroom anemones, are not true corals but share characteristics with anemones. They occur in a wide range of sizes, textures, and colours, with green, blue, and red being the most common colours. Less common colours include orange, which often comes with a higher price tag. While they add colour to low-light areas, they should be kept away from stony corals as they thrive in areas with lower light and less water flow than what stony corals prefer. Contact with mushroom anemones can be deadly for stony corals.
Discoma mushrooms are hardy and suitable for both novice and experienced hobbyists. They should be placed in low-light and low-flow areas, generally near the bottom of the tank. It is important to note that if a Discoma mushroom fails to open, it is likely receiving too much light, and if it appears to be reaching towards the surface, it is probably receiving too little light.
When it comes to fragging Discoma mushrooms, it is a simple process to use a razor blade to cut a piece from a larger specimen. However, attaching the mushroom frag to rubble rock or a frag plug requires more skill. As mushrooms cannot be glued, some people place the new frag in a low-flow area of the aquarium with rubble rock and wait for it to attach naturally. Alternatively, a small basket hung inside the tank can be used to achieve the same result.
It is worth noting that while some sources claim that Discoma mushrooms can grow rapidly and may sting nearby corals, others refute this claim, stating that no mushroom can take over a tank unless the owner allows it. However, it is important to provide proper care and maintenance to prevent uncontrolled growth. Overall, when placing Discoma mushrooms in an aquarium, it is crucial to keep them away from stony corals to avoid potential harm to the corals.
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In a small basket hung inside the tank
If you're thinking of creating a unique habitat for the Dictyophora, or Phallus indusiatus, commonly known as the 'basket stinkhorn' or 'veiled lady,' mushroom, consider suspending a small basket inside a tank. This setup not only makes for an intriguing display but also provides the optimal environment for these distinctive fungi. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect hanging basket habitat for your Dictyophora mushrooms:
Select the Right Basket:
Choose a small basket made from natural materials like wicker or bamboo, which are breathable and provide a good surface for the mushrooms to grow. Ensure the basket is sturdy yet lightweight, with a flat base and ample holes or gaps between the weaves for the mushrooms to fruit through.
Prepare the Substrate:
Dictyophora mushrooms thrive on a substrate composed of decaying wood and leaves. Prepare a mixture of well-rotted wood chips, sawdust, and leaf litter, moistening it slightly to create the perfect growing medium. Fill the basket with this substrate, leaving a few inches of space at the top.
Hang the Basket in the Tank:
Suspend the basket inside a glass or clear plastic tank, ensuring it is securely hung from the top and does not touch the sides or bottom of the tank. This setup creates a micro-ecosystem, providing the mushrooms with a controlled environment and ample humidity. The tank also allows for easy observation of these fascinating fungi as they grow.
Maintain Optimal Conditions:
Dictyophora mushrooms prefer warm, humid conditions. Maintain a temperature of around 70-80°F (21-27°C) and high humidity levels within the tank. Mist the substrate regularly with water to keep it moist, mimicking their natural forest floor habitat. Ensure good air circulation by providing small vents in the tank to prevent excessive condensation buildup.
Observe and Enjoy:
With the right conditions, you'll soon see the mushrooms begin to fruit through the sides and base of the basket. Dictyophora mushrooms have a distinctive appearance, with a white, net-like veil covering a slender, pinkish-brown stalk. As they mature, the veil tears, revealing a brownish, spore-covered gleba—an intriguing and unusual sight. Enjoy observing their unique life cycle and the intricate beauty they bring to your miniature mushroom habitat.
Creating a hanging basket habitat inside a tank provides the perfect environment for Dictyophora mushrooms to flourish. With the right care and conditions, you can enjoy the fascinating and unusual beauty of these mushrooms, making your display a unique and captivating attraction.
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On an island rock
Discoma mushrooms, also known as mushroom anemones, disc anemones, or elephant ear mushrooms, are a beautiful addition to any home reef tank. They are hardy and suitable for reefers of all experience levels. When placing your Discoma mushroom on an island rock, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, Discoma mushrooms thrive in low-light and low-flow conditions. Therefore, when placing them on an island rock, choose a spot that receives indirect or filtered light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this may cause them to close up or bleach. The ideal location would be near the bottom of the tank, where natural light levels are lower.
Secondly, it is important to secure the Discoma mushroom to the island rock securely. Unlike other corals, Discoma mushrooms cannot be glued onto rocks. One method is to place the mushroom in a low-flow area with some rubble rock, allowing it to attach naturally. Alternatively, you can use a small basket hung inside the tank or frag plugs to secure the mushroom. Ensure that the rock or plug is large enough for the mushroom to attach to, as these mushrooms can grow to a quarter size or larger.
When placing your Discoma mushroom on the island rock, consider its proximity to other corals. While Discoma mushrooms do not possess a sting and are generally considered safe for mixed coral tanks, they can grow quickly and may compete for space with neighbouring corals. Regular maintenance and monitoring are necessary to ensure they do not overtake the tank or come into direct contact with stony corals, which can be harmful.
Overall, Discoma mushrooms are a stunning and colourful addition to any island rock in a reef tank. With their unique shapes, textures, and colours, they provide visual interest and variety. By providing the ideal lighting and flow conditions and securely attaching them to the rock, you can create a thriving environment for these mushrooms to flourish.
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Frequently asked questions
Discoma mushrooms thrive in low-light and low-flow areas. They should be placed near the bottom of the tank.
If your Discoma mushroom fails to open, it is likely receiving too much light.
If your mushroom is reaching towards the surface, it is probably receiving too little light.
Try placing the frag in a low-flow area of the aquarium with some rubble rock and wait for it to attach naturally. You can also use a small basket hung inside the tank to achieve this.
