From ReefPedia

[edit] Rhodactis Difficulty: Easy Placement low to middle Aggression somewhat Hardiness: very Growth Rate: medium Availability: Common

Rhodactis sp.

Introduction

Rhodactis are members of a genus of Coralimorphians or mushroom anemones. They are usually about the diameter of most Discosoma or Ricordia, but unlike the other two genera, Rhodactis can often be oblong shaped. Rhodactis also tend to be multicolored or they will typically consist of one strong color. Rhodactis are thick like Ricordia as opposed to Discosoma which are much thinner. They consist of a mushroom polyp with small hairy like apendages.

Common Names

Mushroom Anemone, Tonga, Bull's-eye, or Metallic Mushrooms.

Scientific Names

Rhodactis spp.

Hardiness

Generally one of the hardiest corals that can be placed in the aquarium. Great for beginners!

Flow

Rhodactis enjoy low to medium water flow. They will fold over if the current is too high. Absolutely no direct flow from the powerhead or pump.

Lighting

Rhodactis only like low to low medium lighting. Direct light from the metal halid is not acceptable.

Placement

You can place Rhodactis anywhere which gives it the right combination of water flow and light. One good thing about this low light needing coral is that you can stick in a corner and allow it to multiply where another coral couldn't.

Feeding

Feeding Rhodactis is unnecessary, and the scientific community is unsure exactly what Coralimorphians eat. Deliberate feeding of Rhodactis will most likely result in putting too much nutrients into the tank. They can produce toxic compounds that burn other corals that they come into contact with. They should be given enough room to grow and propagate.

Propagation

Rhodactis like most Mushroom anemones reproduce readily on their own by splitting. Although it is risky, some people will purposefully cut a mushroom anemone down the center so that both halves grow into a new individual.

Predators

There are no known predators that target Rhodactis or mushroom anemones. There are secretive crabs, and worms that can come in on live rock, which can be coralivores and can damage Rhodactis.

FAQ

Commonly-asked questions regarding the coral.

   Originally contributed by Barry Katz of Kahuna Corals

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