Ricordea

Care

Ricordea, also known as Flower Mushroom Corals, are brightly coloured corallimorpharians that grow in fairly diverse areas including rocky substrates, on top of dead corals, and attached to colonies of tree oysters. They are most prolific in relatively shallow, turbid waters and are often found growing vertically. There are 2 species currently recognised in the genus Ricordea, R. florida and R. yuma, both of which frequently enter the trade. These species are known from two distant locations, but they are biologically almost identical and their general care requirements are much the same. Ricordea spp. are extremely popular with the marine aquarist on account of their multitude of colours and iridescent/fluorescent hues, their relative ease of keeping (they do best in somewhat nutrient-rich surroundings), and their willingness to reproduce. The name corallimorpharian literally means "corals without a skeleton", and as such they are often referred to as "false corals". Within the order Corallimorpharia, sit 4 families: Corallimorphidae, Discosomatidae, Ricordeidae, and Sideractidae. Flower Mushroom Corals from the Ricordea genus are classified within the family Ricordeidae. Ricordea species have pimpled, polka-dotted surfaces with the dots (verrucae) being berry-shaped and often of contrasting colour. Lengthened tentacles may grow around the edges of the disc, and these are packed with several different types of nematocyst. These stinging cells are relatively weak and are not capable of any real aggressive action, except when placed in direct contact with another coral. Some individuals are polystomatous (that is, they have more than one mouth) and the mouth opening is usually oval in shape. These corallimorpharians are not motile - neither the tentacles or body are capable of withdrawing, so careful placement within the aquarium is a must. Most Ricordea grow in a very low position against the substrate, whether it be on rocky rubble or coral skeletons, and as such, rarely show any kind of visible stalk. Once colonies become established, they form large clonal mats and can cover the rockwork like a colourful living blanket. Interestingly, in the wild, it has been observed that the deeper one goes, the more solitary these corallimorpharians become; larger 'communities' being observed in shallower waters. Ricordea corals come in a vast rainbow of colours - some subtle, some bright - including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, purple, and brown (the most common being green). The colours are often strongest towards the edges of the disc, becoming more subtle towards the mouth area, and in some specimens the ring of marginal tentacles may contrast strongly with the colour of those in the middle of the disc. In general, specimens of R. florida are typically much more vibrant compared to those of R. yuma (which is found in predominantly muted orange/browns, greens, and lilacs). It has been noted that the natural colours of these corallimorpharians is strongly dependent on temperature and other seasonal changes, and distinct colour transformations of their tentacles and mouths has been observed at least 3 times per year. However, this phenomenon is only really observed in their wild environments and rarely occurs in the home aquarium. Ricordea are small, non-predatorial animals that gain their nutrients through direct uptake from the water, from ciliary mucus transport of trapped particulate matter, and from their symbiotic zooxanthellae. These animals do possess nematocysts, but as mentioned above, these are very rudimentary and are incapable of trapping all but the smallest pieces of particulate matter. In the home aquarium, Ricordea require moderate illumination. They do not respond well to intense metal halide lighting or extremes of current; indeed, fluorescent lighting and a moderate water flow seem key in providing the ideal conditions for them to thrive.  If your system is very brightly lit, Ricordea corals are best placed low in the tank, or underneath an overhang in the rockwork where they will be more shaded. Having said this, orange and pink Ricordea tend to come from shallower waters, so they may benefit from slightly stronger lighting. As these corallimorpharians are semi-aggressive by nature, ample space should be left between them and other cnidarians, as they will spread rapidly under good conditions, and may encroach upon and attempt to overgrow other sessile invertebrates. Some aquarists find the addition of iodine supplements are beneficial to these animals, whereas others find that providing small frequent water changes and a regular feeding regime is better. It is a good idea to quarantine new Ricordea corals for several weeks before adding to the main aquarium, to lessen the chance of introducing any pests such as flatworms. If this is not an option then a 3 minute R/O freshwater dip can sometimes be useful before adding new polyps to the display tank, although it will not be as effective as a period of quarantine and careful observation. When stressed, both species of Ricordea have a tendency to extrude their mesenterial filaments; these look like fine white threads being expelled. In the wild, Periclimenes commensal shrimps often associate with Ricordea species, and in the home aquarium, other small anemone shrimps such as the sexy shrimp (Thor amboinensis) may take up residence. These corallimorpharians may also be seen on sale as Coral Anemones, Florida Corals, Flower Mushrooms, Knobbly False Corals, and Stubby Anemones.

Feeding

Zooxanthellate, but benefits from supplemental feeding with small particulate material such as phytoplankton, marine snow, and occasionally newly hatched baby brineshrimp.

Propagation

Ricordea spp. reproduce readily by budding from the parent colony. Can be fragged, but the easiest way to propagate is to simply let the colony grow over onto small pieces of adjacent rockwork.