Red Ricordea
Red ricordea are prized among aqua enthusiasts for its vibrant colorings and deep contrasting hues, making the red ricordea a natural standout in a home tank. Compared to other ricordea corals, the red ricordea has a more bulbous shape and brighter coloration.
Red Ricordea Names
Known also as a coral anemone, stubby anemone, red rose ricordea Yuma, or rose ricordea, flower mushroom, or ricordea mushroom, the red ricordea is actually the rarest of all ricordea corals
Fragile Nature of the Red Ricordea
Although mushroom coral in general are known for being extremely hardy and easy to maintain, the red ricordea will require more attention to detail than other specimens due to its delicacy. The delicacy of red ricordea will be most obvious when transitioning the coral between tanks and/or during red ricordea propagation. Because of the fragile nature of the red ricordeas tissue, even the most minor tear can result in a critical (and potentially fatal) bacterial infection. Precautions can be taken to ward against infections, including keeping water movement steady and circulation constant.
Red Ricordea Lighting Preferences
The importance of lighting in a home aquarium tank cannot be stated enough- lighting will be a major factor in the health and general appearance of red ricordea. Red ricordea, as opposed to other ricordea corals, can be especially sensitive to both artificial and natural light. This doesn’t mean that the red ricordea should be shaded from lighting sources- if anything it is the opposite. It is important to acclimate the red ricordea to higher levels of lighting in order to bring out its most vibrant red hues. When you are first transitioning the red ricordea into the new tank, the corals should be first placed against the sides, and slowly moved towards the center of the tank (and towards the light sources) each week. The red ricordea will respond differently to metal halide lighting versus VHO lighting versus power compact actinic lighting, and so on. Many aquarists recommend metal halide lighting for a tank that includes red ricordea.
How the Red Ricordea Obtains Nutrients
Red ricordea is self-employed when it comes to dietary requirements. The red ricordea provides its own energy during photosynthesis- a process that is produced by microscopic algae that lives beneath its tissue. While it is not mandatory for its survival, red ricordea does have the ability to filter feed. During this process, the red ricordea uses its spirocysts, small hollow tubes that trap passing food elements, to pass the nutrients through to its mouth and ultimately, digestive system.
Importance of Placement of the Red Ricordea
The red ricordea does emit chemical toxins on a daily basis, so care needs to be taken to keep the red ricordea at a safe distance from other live corals and specimens. Some aquarists will go so far as to recommend keeping a red ricordea-only tank system, but this is not necessary as long as proper precaution is taken during placement. Another reason to give the red ricordea ample amount of space is to account for the steady growth that will take place- it is not uncommon for the red ricordea to expand significantly over time.
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