{"product_id":"green-discosoma-mushroom","title":"IRA Zebra Mushroom","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eZebra Mushroom (\u003cem\u003eRhodactis\u003c\/em\u003e sp.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eZebra Mushroom\u003c\/strong\u003e is a distinctive soft coral appreciated for its fleshy appearance, textured surface, and characteristic contrasting pattern. Depending on the individual specimen, the disc can display varying shades of gray, brown, cream, green, or other complementary tones, with darker and lighter banding creating the zebra-like appearance. Under blue-heavy reef lighting, fluorescent pigments may become more pronounced, adding depth and contrast to the overall coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen fully expanded, the Zebra Mushroom develops a broad, fleshy disc with a textured surface that gently moves with the surrounding current. \u003cem\u003eRhodactis\u003c\/em\u003e mushrooms are generally adaptable and can grow by splitting or budding, eventually forming clusters when established. Their combination of unusual patterning, soft movement, and relatively easy care makes them a versatile addition to a mixed reef or dedicated mushroom collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eRhodactis\u003c\/em\u003e sp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zebra Mushroom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to Moderate, approximately \u003cstrong\u003e30–100 PAR\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to Moderate — gentle, indirect flow that allows the mushroom to expand naturally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lower to Middle aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-Aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Form:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solitary mushroom; can reproduce by splitting or budding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily photosynthetic; supplemental feeding is beneficial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlacement \u0026amp; Flow\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the Zebra Mushroom on \u003cstrong\u003estable rockwork or a dedicated mushroom island\u003c\/strong\u003e where it has room to expand. \u003cem\u003eRhodactis\u003c\/em\u003e can become considerably larger when fully inflated, so leave adequate space between the mushroom and neighboring corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGentle to moderate, indirect flow is ideal. The mushroom should be able to \u003cstrong\u003einflate fully and move naturally with the current\u003c\/strong\u003e without being constantly pushed against rockwork. Avoid strong, concentrated flow, which can cause prolonged contraction or potentially dislodge the mushroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the mushroom matures, it may reproduce through splitting or budding and spread onto nearby surfaces. For better growth control, an isolated rock or designated mushroom area is recommended. Larger specimens can also shade or irritate nearby corals, so reasonable spacing is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLighting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZebra Mushrooms generally perform well under \u003cstrong\u003e30–100 PAR\u003c\/strong\u003e and do not require intense reef lighting. Lower to moderate light is typically sufficient for maintaining healthy tissue and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen introducing a new specimen, start toward the lower end of the recommended range if its previous lighting is unknown and \u003cstrong\u003eacclimate gradually\u003c\/strong\u003e to stronger illumination. Sudden increases in light intensity can cause stress, contraction, or changes in coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue-heavy reef lighting may enhance fluorescent pigments and increase the contrast of the mushroom's pattern, while a balanced spectrum will provide a more natural representation of its coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRhodactis\u003c\/em\u003e is primarily \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, obtaining much of its energy through its symbiotic algae. It can also capture small food particles from the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplemental feeding is optional but can be beneficial for growth and overall condition. When fully expanded, occasional offerings of \u003cstrong\u003efine powdered coral foods, phytoplankton, or small zooplankton-based foods\u003c\/strong\u003e can provide additional nutrition. Feed appropriately sized portions and avoid placing large pieces of food directly on the mushroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Zebra Mushroom is an excellent choice for reef keepers looking for an easy-care soft coral with distinctive patterning, fleshy texture, and natural movement. Its adaptable nature, modest lighting requirements, and potential to develop into a larger mushroom colony make it a unique and colorful addition to both beginner-friendly reefs and established coral collections.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Island Reef Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48643774546114,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0771\/3354\/5666\/files\/GreenDiscosomaMushroom_19.99.png?v=1787214655","url":"https:\/\/islandreefaquatics.com\/products\/green-discosoma-mushroom","provider":"Island Reef Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}