Mushroom Help

[lbannie]

Just got a mushroom a few days ago (actually 2) Everything seemed fine, the next morning one of them completely dissapeared ( the rock ot came on is still in the same spot) The other looked kind of shredded in the morning? whitish in the middle and purple octopus tentacle looking things around the outside! What do you think happened? This is the best pic I could get.....It still looks good today, maybe a bit more purple (it was a purple mushroom) Any ideas? (It's in the center...hope you can see it!)

 

[geoj]

take more pics

 

[addickreefer]

I can see it... I myself just got some mushrooms as well for free on a rubble piece of live rock. I read that they'll move around dissapear then reappear, shirvel up, but I'm a rookie when it comes to corals. I think it will pop up sooner or later.

 

[dmanatee]

I have a purple mushroom myself and I have never seen them disappear, or move. I have however seen them shrink or tighten up when the light go out and in the morning, before they have reawakened i looks like some are missing till they expand. They also will have this behavior if they are stressed or startle. (you might want to check you water parameters, and the placement of the frag in the tank)
Also, when another coral growing to close to them I started to notice white "stings" appearing from some of their mouths which I read is a defensive tactic "hurtling your guts to dissolve you enemy". I quickly moved the apposing coral to the other side of the tank.
I would be concerned if one completely disappeared. Out of curiosity who are its tank mates, sometimes even the little guys like hermit crabs/urchins/crabs.....can eat or harm these corals.
Just a thought though...

 

[u mike]

do not worry I also have a mushroom that came off the rock it will move around the tank then stick to something it likes. Just today I found another one next to the old one.