Yuma Mushroom (Ricordea yuma)
If you want to add mind-blowing texture and neon, glowing colour to the lower sections of your reef, the Yuma Mushroom is a top-tier choice.
Unlike standard, flat mushrooms, Ricordea yuma are completely covered in raised, bubble-like tentacles—even straight across their mouths! They come in some of the most intense, saturated colour morphs in the hobby, ranging from neon pinks and vivid oranges to toxic greens and deep purples. As they settle and grow, they will naturally multiply, eventually creating a stunning, textured carpet over your rockwork.
At UKReef Hampshire, we love Yumas for their premium, designer look. They are a fantastic step up for hobbyists who have mastered basic soft corals and are looking for a true showcase piece for the bottom of their tank.
Quick Care Guide:
Care Level: Moderate. They are slightly more sensitive than standard Discosoma mushrooms and require stable parameters to thrive.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive. While they don't have long sweeper tentacles, they pack a localized sting and will defend their space as they expand. Give them a dedicated island or leave plenty of room between them and other corals.
Placement: Bottom / Rubble Zone. They do best attached to low-lying rocks or rubble near the sandbed.
Lighting: Low to Moderate. This is critical! Yumas do not like intense lighting. If placed too high up under bright LEDs, they will bleach, shrink, or completely detach from their rock to float away and find a darker spot. Keep them comfortably shaded or low in the tank.
Water Flow: Low. Provide just a gentle, indirect breeze. If the flow is too strong, they won't be able to fully expand and may let go of the rockwork.
Feeding: Highly photosynthetic. While they get most of their energy from your lights, they are very active eaters! Gently target-feeding them with coral powder (like Reef Roids) or small meaty foods (like mysis shrimp) once a week will make them grow and multiply significantly faster. Watch closely when you feed them—they will curl up like a cup to consume the food!