Green Florida Ricordia

Green Florida Ricordia: A Beginner-Friendly Bubble Mushroom Coral

The Green Florida Ricordia is a colorful, bubbly mushroom coral that adds instant pop to any reef tank. Its neon green bubbles and compact size make it a favorite for nano and mixed-reef systems. Whether you’re new to soft corals or looking for an easy, eye-catching addition, this coral is a great choice.

Care Requirements for Green Florida Ricordia

Green Florida Ricordia is generally hardy and adaptable, but it thrives when a few basic needs are met:

  • Lighting: Low to moderate PAR. Too much light can cause it to shrink or bleach, so start in a shaded area and move it up slowly if needed.
  • Flow: Low to gentle, indirect flow. Strong, direct current can cause the bubbles to stay deflated or detach from the rock.
  • Placement: Rockwork or rubble on the sand bed is ideal. Give it room to expand without being shaded by larger corals.
  • Water Parameters: Stable reef conditions are key:
    – Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
    – Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
    – pH: 8.0–8.4
    – Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
    – Nitrate/Phosphate: Low but not zero

Like other corallimorphs, Green Florida Ricordia appreciates a slightly nutrient-rich system and doesn’t do as well in ultra-sterile, stripped tanks.

Feeding and Growth

While this coral hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and can live on light and dissolved nutrients, targeted feeding can enhance color and growth.

  • Offer small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, or quality coral foods 1–2 times per week.
  • Turn off or reduce flow during feeding so the coral can grab and hold onto food.
  • Avoid overfeeding; excess food can foul the water and attract pests.

Tip: Watch for a gentle “grabbing” motion from the mouth area when food lands on the bubbles. If it’s accepting food, you’re feeding the right size and amount.

Tank Mates, Placement Tips, and Common Issues

Green Florida Ricordia is peaceful and works well in most community reef tanks, but a few placement guidelines will help it thrive:

  • Avoid aggressive neighbors: Keep it away from long-sweeper LPS corals that may sting or overgrow it.
  • Watch for wandering: If unhappy with light or flow, it may slowly detach and move. Adjust placement if you see it stretching or shrinking regularly.
  • Monitor for pests: Some crabs or large hermits may irritate the tissue; choose reef-safe inverts.

If your Green Florida Ricordia looks deflated, bleached, or is staying tightly closed, check for sudden changes in lighting, salinity, or alkalinity. Gradual adjustments and stable parameters usually bring it back to its inflated, bubbly look.

Where to Learn More About Soft Corals

For additional guidance on soft coral care and compatible species, explore these helpful resources on our site:

With its vibrant color, gentle care requirements, and compact growth, the Green Florida Ricordia is an excellent choice for reef keepers who want a standout coral that doesn’t demand constant attention.