Tropical western Atlantic, including Florida and the Caribbean
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
intermediate
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Moderate to high
Flow
Low
Care
Ricordea florida is a Caribbean mushroom coral (corallimorph) covered in short, rounded, berry-like tentacles. Green and orange are most common, with prized multicoloured forms; colonies usually come as several mushrooms on one rock. LiveAquaria does not sell it by name; the care below draws on its green ricordea listing (the Pacific Ricordea yuma), a close relative in the same genus. Placement: low in the tank, in moderate to high light (very strong lighting may be too much) and low flow. Water: about 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12, with iodine and trace elements. It may be less hardy than some other mushrooms. Growth is slow to moderate. Mushrooms are not CITES-listed. Florida's ricordea fishery and aquacultured stock supply much of the trade. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/green-ricordea-mushroom-coral). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Photosynthetic, but it also eats plankton and small crustaceans; occasional small meaty foods help growth.
Breeding
It reproduces by splitting. Cut a polyp across the mouth with a scalpel, or remove a polyp with a little rock, and hold it on rubble under mesh until it attaches.
Compatibility and tank mates
Semi-aggressive: give space from other corals.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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