What’s Makes a Bounce Mushroom Coral so Special?

They’ve bounced their way into the hearts of reef aquarium hobbyists and coral lovers all over the world. And who can blame the recipients and seekers of these beautiful additions?

After all, bounce mushroom corals have so much to offer everyone: divers, researchers, enthusiasts and more.

But what’s all the hype about? We’ll walk you through the underwater world of the bounce mushroom coral here so you understand exactly why you need one in your aquarium.

Bounce Mushroom Coral, Meet World

At first glance, any beginning collector might stop and wonder why someone would want such a strange coral.

Because bounce mushroom corals are strange.

But the truth of the matter is, most people won’t be able to appreciate these marine species until they know more about them.

The Mystery

The most important notion to understand about a bounce mushroom coral is that it’s a little mysterious.

We know they start out as Rhodactis coral, a furry mushroom coral found mostly in the Indo-Pacific. What we don’t know is exactly what prompts Rhodactis corals to enlarge the polyp tissue, creating the bouncy “bubbles” we adore.

Most researchers believe the enlargement is due to irregular lighting and water conditions not commonly found in nature. With advents in aquarium lighting, this theory is plausible.

Either way, the mysteriousness of the coral makes it all the more sought after.

Rarity

It’s no secret that limited editions garner consumer interest. Marketers use this method, which is called scarcity marketing, to sell items.

Not only does it draw attention and make that item even rarer but it also increases the desire for that item. OnePlus mobile phones, for instance, sold a million smartphones without a physical store.

Apply this concept to the marine world and you have immediate intrigue.

Such is the story of the bounce mushroom. These corals are very rare in the wild, adding to the speculation that aquarium settings induce the enlargement process.

In the ocean, the Rhodactis demonstrate little bubble formation. Divers must look for these corals with hopes they will flourish into bounce mushrooms.

So there isn’t someone behind the wheel only making a few hundred to sell at exorbitant prices; at the moment, mother nature doesn’t create enough for the demand.

Shrouded in mystery and naturally rare? Can you already understand the hype? But there’s more to the story than even these factors.

Value

Because bounce mushrooms are rare and because no one’s positive about their creation methods yet, it’s natural for the price of these corals to skyrocket.

In fact, to date, these corals are the “single most expensive coral polyps ever sold in the aquarium hobby.” One polyp of some variations runs for up to $10,000.

By far, the most sought-after type is the OG Bounce Mushroom, which produces vibrant orange “bubbles” overtop a purple and green base.

Ease of Care

Bounce mushroom corals are excellent for beginner or professional aquarists.

These creatures don’t require too much looking after.

Place your bounce mushroom towards the bottom of the tank. Set your PAR lights to 75 to 150.

Aside from this, there isn’t much else to worry about. Bounce mushrooms handle a variety of water parameters and don’t require feeding. Sticking with the basic maintenance is enough to keep them happy.

Furthermore, they play nicely with other aquarium residents. Owners don’t have to worry about one type competing with the other. Fish also don’t find these type of corals delectable, so death at the hands of our hungry friends isn’t a worry.

In fact, leaving mushroom corals alone is usually enough to let them thrive and, possibly, promote budding.

Propagation Abilities

If you’re considering propagating, bounce mushrooms are ideal. The easiest method to create more of these beauties is through fragging.

Take a scalpel and cut through the coral in one straight line to create two pieces. It’s suggested owners leave a small piece of the oral cavity in each frag, so try cutting through the mouth.

These critters can take the fragging process without much harm. They usually bounce back (pun intended) within days.

In addition to having outside help, these corals may reproduce without aid.

One method involves pedal laceration.

During pedal laceration, the coral moves away from the initial area. As it does so, it breaks off part of its pedal and leaves the segment behind. That segment becomes another coral.

The second method is fission. During this process, the coral splits into two or more colonies.

Variety of Types

Luckily for collectors and enthusiasts, the wide variety of types means there’s something for everyone.

Not every flavor of bounce shroom is faint-worthy expensive. In fact, many offer beautiful additions to the aquarium at affordable prices. 

One of the most dazzling types on the market is the Gonzo Golden Dragon Mushroom. It offers a pink and purple backdrop with golden polyps. The gold contrasts with the multi-colored bubbles, which can appear pink, purple or aqua.

This is yours for only $170.

Another viable option is the Sunkist Bounce Mushroom. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors.

Regardless of funds, there’s a bounce mushroom on the market to meet your budget.

Aesthetics

Of course, one of the main reasons people are drawn to these corals is their fun and beautiful nature.

The bubbles add an air of playfulness to your aquarium and create a dash of color. Because of this, bounce mushrooms offer fantastic centerpieces.

On top of the fun nature is the sheer volume of possibilities. Collectors can purchase corals of almost every color: orange, blue, yellow, green, pink and more.

The Neptune Bounce Mushroom even has sandy-colored bubbles set in a blue base.

The options in your tank are endless, and every enthusiast can find a bounce mushroom to fit into his or her aquarium.

Where Can I Meet My Coral?

There are several reasons hobbyists are flocking to the bounce mushroom coral. And those reasons have less to do with a new trend and more to do with the incredible characteristics that make up these species.

Are you ready to add one to your aquarium?

If so, browse our collection of mushroom coral and find the perfect addition for your underwater world.