Discosoma

Discosoma are the classic mushroom corals — smooth, disc-shaped polyps that come in an enormous range of colours from solid blues, reds, and greens to stunning striped, spotted, and metallic morphs. They are among the hardiest corals available and arguably the single best choice for absolute beginners. Place them in the lower sections of your tank under low PAR (30–100 PAR) with gentle, indirect flow. They thrive in conditions most corals would find too dim or too dirty. Standard reef parameters are fine: alkalinity 7.5–9 dKH, calcium 400–440 ppm, and temperature 25–27°C, though Discosoma tolerate wider ranges than most corals.

Discosoma are photosynthetic and require no target feeding, though they will consume small food particles that land on their surface. They prefer subdued lighting — too much PAR will cause them to shrink, curl, or move to shadier positions. If you notice mushrooms detaching and drifting, they are almost certainly seeking lower light. This self-regulating behaviour makes them forgiving of imperfect placement. Once settled, they multiply readily through pedal laceration, leaving behind small tissue fragments that develop into new polyps.

Fragging Discosoma is simple — cut through the disc with a scalpel, place the pieces in a shallow container with rubble, and they will attach within a week or two. Many reefers find they do not need to frag at all, as natural multiplication keeps the colony expanding. Discosoma mushrooms are incredibly affordable and available from every Australian coral retailer and frag swap. They make perfect first corals for new tanks and continue to be valued by experienced reefers for their low-maintenance beauty in shadier areas of the aquascape.