Nuclear Spots Discosoma

About this coral

Nuclear Spots Discosoma is a Discosoma sp. mushroom coral (“Discosoma” being the genus used for many trade-name mushroom corals). In an aquarium, Discosoma mushrooms are popular for their forgiving care and for forming a low-profile “mushroom garden” on stable rock. This coral can be used as an easy centerpiece or filler coral in reef layouts where you want something that generally handles lower-to-moderate light and gentler, indirect flow.

Features:

• Beginner-friendly mushroom coral general guidance: commonly kept successfully by hobbyists when placed and acclimated properly.
• Provide low to moderate lighting; too much light is a common stressor for Discosoma mushrooms.
• Use low-to-moderate indirect flow (broad, gentle movement) to help keep the disc clean without folding or lifting.
• Photosynthetic nutrition: it gains much of its energy from symbiotic algae under appropriate aquarium lighting.
• Optional target feeding may be offered by placing suitably sized foods on the oral disc with flow reduced briefly, then removing uneaten food.
• Allow space for expansion and natural reproduction behaviors (division/budding/pedal attachment) to prevent overcrowding.
• Keep a careful distance from more aggressive or easily stinging neighbors to reduce tissue damage risk.

Specifications:

• Scientific group: Discosoma sp. (mushroom coral)
• Care level (general): Easy to moderate (often easier within the Discosoma genus group)
• Light: Low to moderate (about 40–150 PAR reported; start around 50–100 PAR and adjust by response)
• Water flow: Low to moderate indirect flow; broad/gentle movement, not a direct jet
• Placement: Lower to middle rockwork, protected from strong direct flow; orientation should allow the oral disc to expand
• Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity (about 32–35 ppt)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH (maintained consistently)
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm
• Adult size (general): Individual discs commonly range from roughly 1 inch to several inches or more depending on conditions
• Diet: Photosynthetic; optionally target feed appropriately sized foods (e.g., mysis pieces, finely chopped marine flesh, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, fine coral foods)