Green Ricordea

Green Ricordea and the Name

It is common to see green ricordea abbreviated as “ric”, especially when used to describe the coral’s many coloring and species. Scientifically speaking, the Atlantic and Caribbean species of green ricordea are referred to as R. florida, while Pacific species of green ricordea are referred to as R. yuma.

Propagation of the Green Ricordea

Many aquarists enjoy cultivating and displaying green ricordea in their tanks because of the coral’s extremely hardy nature, steady growth rate and colorful appearance. Although the green ricordea will be tolerant of less than ideal water quality and conditions, the green ricordea’s appearance will be an easy gauge. Fortunately, because of the green ricordea’s hardy nature and slow deterioration, it is easy enough to adjust water conditions before the green ricordea incurs any lasting damage.

Ideal Reef Aquarium Conditions for the Green Ricordea

 

Water flow should be set at a low or medium pace, but it is important to not point the jets/power heads directly upon the coral, as this can stress the green ricordea. Another benefit of the green ricordea’s hardy nature is its ability to thrive under a variety of lighting conditions, including basic fluorescents or metal halides. It is important that the level of lighting is at least intermediate, and easily accessible- you will notice that different levels of lighting will influence the growth rate and coloring of the green ricordea. It is a good idea to experiment with different levels of lighting to see what is best for the green ricordea in a home tank.

 

Placement of the Green Ricordea in a Reef Aquarium

The green ricordea’s specific placement in a home tank is completely up to the aquarist. It is important to note that green ricordea do contain a stinging defense mechanism that can damage other specimens in your tank, so an ample amount of space should be placed around the green ricordea. Green ricordea does best in a tank attached to a piece of rock or substrate- this will also ensure that the green ricordea does not get lost among the rockwork or fall in the crack of a piece of rock.

Feeding the Green Ricordea

Some aquarists recommend supplemental feedings of the green ricordea, while others disagree. There are just as many green ricordea that have thrived in tanks with spot feedings as with no feedings. However, regardless of your chosen model of feeding, green ricordea do contain symbiotic algae that undergo photosynthesis, as well as a mouth and digestive system. Even if the green ricordea is not spot fed, it will probably still obtain food from particles that are floating in the tank. It has been shown that green ricordea grow at a faster rate and multiply more often when they are subjected to regular supplemental feedings, since the additional food gives them the extra energy beyond simple existence to focus on growth.