TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Subclass: Hexacorallia
Order: Corallimorpharia
Family: Ricordeidae
Genus/sp. Rhodactis spp.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Rhodactis mushroom grow much larger than other mushroom genera, some attaining sizes of more than 10 inches across. The surface of their mushroom cap is covered with small tentacles (verrucae) or large warty knobs that are radially arranged. They are found attached to rock.
DIET IN THE WILD: Ricordeidae feed both on the products of zooxanthellae, and on zooplankton or fish they catch with their tentacles and nematocysts as well as dissolved organic matter.
REPRODUCTION: Asexual reproduction occurs by two mechanisms. Split or fission reproduction occurs when the coral splits along its mouth creating a clone. Alternatively, particulates released from the foot can develop into a new specimen, which is called laceration.
Sexual reproduction produces a larva called a Planula which once on the seabed develops into a new individual.
References
California Academy of Sciences Steinhart Aquarium Color on the Reef AQA12 2017
Aquarium Corals Eric Borneman TFH publications 2001 pages 206-209
EOL eol.org/pages/4680444/overview
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Ron’s flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/cas_docents/32905288196/in/album-72157659465376212/