Description
The Ricordea yuma corallimorph originates from the Indo-Pacific, though this strain is maricultured by ORA. Instead of being collected from delicate reefs, this coral is grown on coral farms on land or in controlled areas offshore, separate from natural reefs. Maricultured corals come with many benefits that we will discuss later.
Two kinds of Ricordea Mushrooms are popular in the hobby: Ricordea yuma and Ricordea florida. Ricordea yuma is generally more sensitive than its counterpart, though not too difficult. If you are a beginner, there may be better corals. However, the need for more stability to keep this mushroom is well worth it. All of your other corals will be happier as well. If you can care for a yuma, the colors are typically brighter or more vibrant. This Ricordea yuma has streaks of green and purple that radiate out from the center. There are also a few lighter and darker shades of green. This corallimorph has small bubble-like vesicles, giving it a similar appearance to a carpet anemone.
Ricordea yuma does best under low to moderate lighting. The main worry with lighting is overexposing the corallimorph with too much light, which will cause it to melt away. If you are going to keep this mushroom in moderate light, especially on the higher end, you must acclimate it first. Please do this by starting your mushroom in low light and gradually moving it into higher light. Avoid putting this mushroom under anything over 150 micromoles of PAR. If the mushroom looks shrunken, this might indicate it is getting too much light.
Too much flow can also cause retracted behavior. This mushroom does best with low to moderate flow. You need to provide enough water movement so that detritus doesn’t settle on the mushroom. Giving too much flow risks the mushroom detaching. If this happens, try to “catch” the mushroom and place it in a low-flow area with some rubble. It should attach to a piece on its own.
As mentioned before, Ricordea yuma is more sensitive than Ricordea florida. Although this corallimorph has no calcium skeleton, you should still ensure that your calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels are at least somewhat stable. Keep your salinity and temperature stable as well. The temperature should be around 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit. As for nutrients, keep the nitrates between 1-5 ppm and the phosphates close to 0.01 ppm but not 0. Mushrooms will tolerate or even enjoy slightly elevated nutrient levels. So, you can go outside of this range.
Lastly, let’s discuss feeding. Mushroom corallimorphs are capable feeders if you feed them the right food. Feeding is not required because this corallimorph is considered photosynthetic. However, feeding can improve coloration, growth rate, and overall health. If you want to feed your mushroom, place meaty foods such as mysis or brine shrimp on the mushroom with the pumps off. You can give larger chunks of food to larger mushrooms and vice versa. Wait for the mushroom to close before turning the pumps back on. Feeding is beneficial as long as you don’t overdo it. Doing this a few times per week is plenty to see benefits. You can also dose your aquarium with live phytoplankton and amino acids. This method is excellent for feeding your corals without causing nutrient spikes.
Care requirements
Placement: You can place this coral anywhere if you meet its lighting and flow needs.
Lighting: Medium to high.
Flow: Moderate to strong.
Parameters: 72-78° F, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 32-35 ppt
Calcium: 350-450 ppm
Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
Magnesium: 1,250-1,350 ppm
Benefits of Aquaculture
Aquacultured corals and corallimorphs are typically hardier than their wild counterparts. Mariculture is especially beneficial for corallimorphs like the Ricordea yuma, which are more sensitive than other Mushrooms. Maricultured corals are also more sustainable and environmentally friendly!
