Coral Care Info Scolymia

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Ricordia mushrooms are found in the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions, with two main species:

• Ricordea florida (Caribbean) – Smaller polyps with a rounded, compact appearance.
• Ricordea yuma (Indo-Pacific) – Larger, more elongated polyps with a central mouth.

These corals thrive in shallow reefs, lagoons, and backreef slopes, where they attach to rocky surfaces or coral rubble in moderate to low-light environments with gentle water flow.

Why Choose Ricordia for Your Reef Tank?

• Beginner-Friendly & Hardy – Tolerates a range of water conditions.
• Vibrant Colors & Bubble-Like Texture – Adds contrast to reef displays.
• Moderate Growth Rate – Expands over time without becoming invasive.
• Great for Nano & Large Tanks – Versatile placement options.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions ensures the best health and coloration for Ricordia:

Weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain stability and prevent nutrient imbalances.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers low to mid-level areas of the tank, often on rockwork or sandbeds.
• Substrate Considerations: Can attach to live rock, frag plugs, or rubble, spreading over time.

Lighting Requirements

Ricordia thrives under low to moderate lighting, making it suitable for a variety of reef tank setups.

• PAR Range: 50-150 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with a blue-spectrum emphasis.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Low to moderate water flow ensures proper expansion and prevents tissue damage.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause Ricordia to detach from surfaces.
• Randomized flow patterns help mimic natural reef conditions.

Feeding and Nutrition

Ricordia primarily relies on photosynthesis but benefits from occasional supplemental feeding to enhance growth and coloration.

• Preferred Foods: Phytoplankton, zooplankton, reef roids, and liquid coral foods.
• Feeding Frequency: 1-2 times per week boosts polyp extension and growth.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding helps enhance color and size.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other fast-growing corals—Ricordia can spread over time and should not be placed near slow-growing species.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at soft corals.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, expanding over rock surfaces.
• Fragging Method: Ricordia can be fragged by cutting a section of the polyp with a sharp blade and attaching it to a new rock or frag plug.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Mushroom Meltdown – Can occur due to rapid environmental changes; ensure stable parameters.
• Tissue Recession – Often caused by too much flow or poor water quality.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually introduce the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as Ricordia can detach and float around the tank if disturbed.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Remove detritus buildup around the coral to prevent bacterial infections.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or detached Ricordia – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or lighting issues.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Slow growth or detachment – Ensure stable water conditions and proper placement.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; move to a lower-light area.
• Overgrowth – Trim colonies as needed to prevent unwanted spreading.
• Ricordia Detaching – Often a sign of stress; check flow and lighting conditions.