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Watermelon Mushroom Coral
Ricordea yuma
The Watermelon Mushroom coral, also known as the Knobby False coral, can grow up to 3 inches. It can be seen in a variety of bright or fluorescent colors. Each body part can be a different color.
Range & Habitat
Indo-Pacific ocean reefs.
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
Its primary threats are fishing, commercial/residential development, invasive species and diseases.
Diet
In the wild - They get nutrition from symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, which dwells within their tissues; and feed on small particulates in the water column.
At the Zoo - Brine shrimp, fish flakes.
Life Span
In the wild: 10 years+
In human care: Unknown
In human care: Unknown
Fun Facts about the Watermelon Mushroom Coral
• This coral has one mouth opening that is round and has warts on it. The tentacles around the margin of the mushroom can be longer to aid in grabbing food.
• It’s a semi-aggressive species if near or touching another coral. They do not have a potent sting, but direct contact with another coral will cause damage. .
• Coral reproduce in four different ways. The first three ways are asexual budding, laceration, and division/fission. The fourth way is through sexual reproduction where eggs and sperm are released into the water column.
Sources
Animal-World. (1998-2020) Knobby False Coral, Watermelon Coral, Ricordea Mushroom Coral, Yuma Pacific Ricordea Coral, Ricordea, Stubby Anemone. Retrieved January 5, 2022. https://animal-world.com/Aquarium-Coral-Reefs/Knobby-False-Coral
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. (2022) Coral, Common Mushroom. Retrieved January 5, 2022. https://resourcelibrary.clemetzoo.com/Animal/1332
Updated June 13, 2023
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