Bounce mushroom (Rhodactis mussoides) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Rhodactis, Bounce shroom, Frilly bounced mushroom
Family
Discosomidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific reefs
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
intermediate
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Low to moderate
Flow
Moderate

Care

Rhodactis mussoides is a large mushroom with a bumpy or lumpy surface. The "bounce" mushrooms prized in the hobby have smooth, swollen bubble-like vesicles in green, orange, purple or pink; their exact species is uncertain and they are usually sold as Rhodactis sp. Placement: lower to middle rockwork. Light and flow: low to moderate light and medium flow. Water and supplements: iodine and trace elements. LiveAquaria lists its bounce mushroom as "Rhodactis sp.", not this species, so the figures are guidance for the genus. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/frilly-bounced-mushroom-coral). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Partly photosynthetic. It also eats plankton and some larger food, so occasional small meaty foods help.

Breeding

It reproduces by itself when conditions suit: small pieces of the base or mouth break away and grow into full mushrooms within a few months. Cutting is possible but bounce mushrooms grow slowly.

Compatibility and tank mates

Somewhat aggressive: it can harm and overgrow sessile invertebrates nearby, so give it space.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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