Elephant Ear Mushroom
The Rhodactis mussoides Elephant Ear Mushroom is a member of the order Corallimorpharia (Stephenson, 1937). It is usually brown or green, with a large wavy surface, a leathery texture, and multiple mouths. It can reach 10 or more inches in diameter.
It is very easy to maintain in the reef aquarium with a low to medium light level combined with a low to medium water movement. It is semi-aggressive and requires adequate space between itself and other corals. It reproduces through longitudinal fission.
The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within it provide the majority of its nutritional requirements from the light driven process of photosynthesis. It may also eat bacteria.
It will arrive as one large mushroom attached to a rock and will expand to a larger size over time.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Rhodactis mussoides |
| Color | Brown or green |
| Texture | Leathery |
| Size | Up to 10 inches in diameter |
| Light Requirement | Low to medium |
| Water Movement | Low to medium |
| Aggressiveness | Semi-aggressive |
| Reproduction Method | Longitudinal fission |
FAQ
What is the typical color of the Elephant Ear Mushroom?
The typical color is brown or green.
How much space should be maintained between the Elephant Ear Mushroom and other corals?
Adequate space should be maintained to avoid contact, as it is semi-aggressive.
Does the Elephant Ear Mushroom require any special feeding?
It primarily relies on photosynthesis through symbiotic algae and may consume bacteria occasionally.
Brian Hemmings –
Easy to set up and grows well in my reef tank. The color is vibrant and it doesn’t compete with other corals as long as I keep enough space around it. It’s a great addition to a low-light setup.
Sarah Reid –
Arrived healthy and expanded nicely after a few weeks. I noticed it’s not aggressive, just needs a bit of room. The texture is leathery and looks natural in the tank.
Jasmine Watson –
Perfect for beginners. It thrives under medium light and doesn’t require much maintenance. The photosynthetic algae help it stay healthy without extra feeding.