Mushroom Coral – Green Mouth & Purple – Large
The Green Mouth & Purple Mushroom Coral (Heliofungia actiniformis) is a spectacular solitary LPS coral featuring long, flowing tentacles, attractive purple colouration and a contrasting green central mouth.
Also known as the Long Tentacle Plate Coral, this species can look remarkably similar to an anemone when fully extended. Its long tentacles move gently through the current, creating an impressive feature for the foreground of an established reef aquarium.
Size: Large
Care Information
Scientific Name: Heliofungia actiniformis
Common Names: Mushroom Coral, Long Tentacle Plate Coral, Disc Coral
Coral Type: LPS
Care Level: Moderate
Lighting: Low to Moderate
Recommended PAR: Approximately 75–150
Water Flow: Low to Moderate, gentle and indirect
Placement: Sandbed
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Feeding: Photosynthetic with regular supplemental feeding recommended
Aquarium Placement
Heliofungia actiniformis should ideally be placed directly on a fine sandy substrate rather than on elevated rockwork.
Unlike most corals, mature Heliofungia are free-living rather than permanently attached to the rock. They can inflate their tissue considerably and may slowly shift position across the substrate.
Avoid placing them on unstable or sharp rockwork where a fall could damage the fleshy tissue or underlying skeleton.
Green Mouth & Purple Colouration
This specimen features attractive purple tones surrounding a contrasting green central mouth.
When fully expanded, its long tentacles can extend well beyond the visible skeletal base, giving the coral an almost anemone-like appearance and creating fantastic movement within the aquarium.
Feeding
Although photosynthetic, Long Tentacle Plate Corals benefit significantly from regular feeding.
Suitable foods include:
- Mysis shrimp
- Enriched brine shrimp
- Finely chopped marine seafood
- Small meaty coral foods
- Plankton-based preparations
Offering a small meaty feed around once or twice per week can help maintain strong tissue condition and healthy growth.
Give It Plenty of Space
The long tentacles can reach well beyond the coral's skeleton and may sting neighbouring corals.
Allow generous clearance around the specimen and remember that a healthy Heliofungia can expand substantially beyond its resting size.
Stable Reef Parameters
For best results, maintain stable:
- Calcium
- Alkalinity
- Magnesium
- Salinity
- Temperature
- Nitrate and phosphate
Avoid sudden changes in lighting or water chemistry and take care not to damage the fleshy tissue during handling.
With its purple colouration, bright green mouth and exceptionally long flowing tentacles, this Medium Mushroom Coral makes an outstanding feature LPS for the sandbed of a mature reef aquarium.
