Raunchy Red Bounce Mushroom Heteropolypus

Heteropolypus ritteri

Saltwater Coral Species Group: Mushroom Heteropolypus Family: Alcyoniidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Raunchy Red Bounce Mushroom Heteropolypus

General information

In general, mushroom corals coming from the genus Heteropolypus are classified as a false coral without a skeleton, although their internal structures are the same with stony corals.

As for the Raunchy Red Bounce Mushroom Heteropolypus, they are predominantly colored blue with red tentacles. This are the water parameters for cultivating Raunchy Red Bounce Mushroom Heteropolypus: 

  • Calcium: 400 – 450 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 2.86 – 4.29 MEQ/L (8 – 12 dKH)
  • Phosphates: 0
  • Magnesium: 1200 – 1350
  • Strontium: 8 – 10
  • Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° – 26° C)
  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4

Diet & nutrition

In the wild, Raunchy Red Bounce Mushroom Heteropolypus has developed a symbiotic feeding relationship with marine algae called zooxanthellae that is living within their tissues. But in captivity, you have to feed them with nanoplankton and you may add dissolved organics in the water.

Determining sex

A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Raunchy Red Bounce Mushroom Heteropolypus. They must be set at the botoom of the tank to simulate their natural wild environment.

Breeding & spawning

The Raunchy Red Bounce Mushroom Heteropolypus requires moderate lighting and moderate waterflow.

Origination

The Raunchy Red Bounce Mushroom Heteropolypus can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

Cautions

The Raunchy Red Bounce Mushroom Heteropolypus has a semi-aggressive behaviour. Proper spacing must be observed in relation to other coral species in the tank.

Acclimation process

The Raunchy Red Bounce Mushroom Heteropolypus is a marine species. Therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.

All photos

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