Saint Thomas Mushroom Coral

Discosoma sanctithomae

Family : Discosomatidae

CoralMarineMushroom coral

The Saint Thomas Mushroom Coral is a solitary or small-group mushroom coral with variable coloration. It is easy to keep in a reef aquarium.

Saint Thomas Mushroom Coral — photo 1 sur 1
Nhobgood Nick Hobgood · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 1
Popularity
LPS coral
large polyps, low light
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
NE
Not Evaluated
Biotope
Caribbean
Récifs de l'Atlantique Ouest tropical.

Description

Discosoma sanctithomae forms a fleshy disc, often ruffled at the edges, reaching up to 10 cm in diameter. Its color ranges from brown to green, sometimes with patterns. The mouth is central, surrounded by short tentacles. It attaches to rocks via a foot. It reproduces by division or budding. In aquariums, it can move slowly. It is very hardy and tolerates variable conditions.

Habitat

Region :

Shallow coral reefs, shaded areas

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2427 °C
pH8.18.4
GH812 °dGH
KH812 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.1 mg/L
Calcium
≥ 400 ppm
Magnesium
≥ 1200 ppm
Light
Low
Flow
Low

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Photosynthetic
Min. tank
40 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
10 cm
Lifespan
5 years
Temperament
peaceful, but can be aggressive to nearby corals
Propagation
budding, division

Care notes

Temperature 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025. Low to moderate light, low to moderate flow. Calcium 400-450 ppm, magnesium 1200-1350 ppm. It feeds mainly through photosynthesis but accepts small food pieces (brine shrimp, mysis). A minimum tank volume of 40 liters is sufficient. It is peaceful but can be aggressive toward neighboring corals by releasing digestive filaments. Avoid placing it too close to other corals.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References