Bullseye Rock Mushroom Fungiidae Coral Coloured Rhodactis Sp

Bullseye Rock Mushroom (Fungiidae Coral) (Coloured Rhodactis sp.)

(Also known as Bullseye Mushroom Coral, Hairy Mushroom Coral, or Elephant Ear Mushroom Coral)

Overview

The Bullseye Rock Mushroom (Rhodactis sp.) is a stunning and hardy soft coral (Corallimorpharian) known for its distinctive bullseye patterning, textured surface, and vibrant coloration. Its large, fleshy oral disc displays concentric rings of colour — often in green, blue, red, orange, and purple — creating a striking “target” appearance. Covered in short, tentacle-like vesicles, Rhodactis mushrooms have a more textured look than Discosoma species, giving them a soft, velvety character under aquarium lighting. Highly adaptable and easy to maintain, this coral is ideal for aquarists looking to add both colour and dimension to shaded areas of the reef.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. Typically found on reef slopes, lagoon substrates, and shaded rocky outcrops, where light and flow are moderate to low.

Feeding

The Bullseye Mushroom Coral is primarily photosynthetic, deriving most of its nutrition from zooxanthellae within its tissue. However, it readily accepts supplemental feeding, which enhances colour vibrancy and growth. Feed 1–2 times per week with:

• Finely chopped seafood (shrimp, clam, fish)
• Mysis or enriched brine shrimp
• Marine snow or coral food powders

Target feeding encourages faster growth and helps maintain bold colouration.

Lighting

Low to moderate lighting.Rhodactis corals prefer soft, diffused light and can bleach if exposed to excessive intensity.

• PAR range: 50–150 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s
• Ideal placement in shaded areas or lower rockwork.
• Blue-spectrum or actinic lighting brings out fluorescent green and red tones.

Water Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle movement allows the coral to open fully and prevents debris accumulation. Strong or direct currents can cause retraction or detachment.

Placement

• Place on lower rockwork or substrate, away from aggressive stinging corals.
• Ensure space for expansion — Rhodactis can grow large and spread over time.
• They attach easily to rock and can propagate by tissue division, forming attractive clusters or carpets.
• Avoid sharp rocks that may damage their fleshy surface.

Tank Mates

Reef safe. Compatible with:

• Peaceful reef fish (gobies, wrasses, blennies, tangs, clownfish, etc.)
• Invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs
• Other soft corals, zoanthids, and non-aggressive LPS species

Avoid:

• Aggressive corals with long sweeper tentacles (e.g., Euphyllia, Galaxea, Hydnophora)
• Butterflyfish or large angelfish that may pick at soft tissue

Aggression

Moderate.Rhodactis can release mild toxins and overgrow slower-growing neighbours. It is best to provide spacing to prevent contact with other coral species.

Experience Level

Beginner. The Bullseye Rock Mushroom Coral is exceptionally hardy, making it suitable for reef keepers of all experience levels. It tolerates a wide range of conditions and adds vibrant colour and movement with minimal maintenance.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Alkalinity (dKH): 8–12
• Calcium: 380–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrate: <10 ppm (tolerant up to 15 ppm)
• Phosphate: <0.05 ppm
• Tank Size: Minimum 50 litres (13 gallons); suitable for nano reefs and larger systems

Stable, mature water conditions and moderate nutrient levels help maintain healthy tissue and vibrant coloration.

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Bullseye Rock Mushroom Coral is a visually captivating, low-maintenance coral that thrives in shaded, low-flow environments. Its bullseye pattern and rich colours make it a standout addition to mixed or soft coral reef aquariums.

---

Interesting Fact

Rhodactis mushrooms can inflate their oral discs dramatically to aid in feeding or to move across rockwork. In some cases, they have been observed capturing small fish or shrimp — a reminder of their anemone-like feeding abilities.