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.
Very informative and a good read thanks guys
I always thought these things were interesting, just not sure I’m ready to pay the price yet.
I still don’t get it sorry…they look like they are deformed I like them better before they bounce! So if any of mine bounce they are FOR SALE!
They are so wonderful and I love them
Good read!
They are honestly not my favorite. But they are indeed unique
Bounces are so weird!
great info
I have the worst luck with keeping mushrooms alive, so I’ve been afraid to try a bounce. One day!
Very cool
I agree with this article wholeheartedly! Mushrooms are super easy to care for and can surprise you with the morphs and adaptations they come up with!
These are so cool
Uv
Informative information, would love to add this beautiful coral to my tank
I’ve always been curious about these and why they’re so expensive.
Rarity and colors
Great info
Good info to know… Thankz
Thanks you thank you
You guys post up some great stuff!
Bounce’s look amazing but I still don’t get why they cost so much. They’re still just a shroom…. generally easy to propagate and care for…. i don’t know..
Great info. Now I just need to win the lotto so I can buy one lol.
Never had much luck with them
Makes me want some
Great article!
Very interesting information. As they are a rarity at the oceans reef, and have been more available and variations in the reefing community under control environment. I could adventure to say that their morphs got to be with the lights and husbandry we keep in our systems. I have few nice rhodactis and hope that they will morph some day and prove my theory. For those hobbiest who wants something rare and easy to care, they are the best choice even been expensive.
Definitely getting a bounce now! Lmao
Very beautiful coral. Maybe one day there will be one in my tank
Not my cup o tea
I have some green Rhodactis currently. One showed little signs of a bubble forming then it went away a day later.
These are so unique. I am on the hunt for one of own.
I hadn’t seen these before today. Cool article. Would love to watch one of these grow on my HD video stream.
good info
Love the uniqueness of bounce mushrooms love the more simple bounces with minimal orbs
I would love a bounce!
I think the price for bounce is too high. Good article though. In this hobby, it is all about rarity that drives the price.
Nice info
Want!
Will try to get more later
Great information
I like em. I’m not the type to spend much on corals but if these were to drop in price someday I would put them in my tank for sure. Good read!
Was never really a much room guy but I always appreciate the rarity and beauty of a coral even if it isn’t my taste. Boyce mushroom has to be one of those
I love the color morphs these mushrooms come in…do not love the price.
Great article!
My favorite coral
Interesting. Although I can’t hang with those price tags I do appreciate the colors and I have seen an OG bounce-incredible colors.
This help me to understand shrooms a lot
I LOVE bounce mushrooms, can’t wait to get one