Noob question about 'shroom behavior and feeding

[silver619]

Hi!

My husband recently surprised me and bought me my first coral for my birthday. It's a red mushroom and I really love it!

This being my first coral, I have no idea what is considered "normal" behavior for these guys. How do I know if they are hungry? I know they survive mostly by photosynthesis, but I would like to know how to tell when they are hungry?

Is it normal for them to expand and contract during the day, or are they supposed to stay open at all times if they are healthy?

Today they are sort of "stretching upward" instead of laying flat on the rock. Is this normal?

They are at the bottom of my 30 gal tank under normal flourescents at the moment- in low/moderate flow.

I can take pics if needed.

Any info I can get on these guys would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Laura

 

[newtanksmell]

It really depends on the species, but generally, yep, they do that.

They'll cup at times, bell, create a backstop, fluff up, and every once in a while play peek-a-boo.

My Neon frilly and two of my rics will accept small pcs of silverside. The other shrooms won't eat any larger foods.

A pic would be great so that someone with more experience than I can add some additional commentary.

Shrooms are horribly addictive for some of us. For whatever reason, there is a special place in my heart for these things. I just can't explain it.

I posted just to ease your mind. It's likely normal behavior.

Oh and welcome !

 

[silver619]

Thanks for the info!

Mine don't look like they would be able to eat silversides- their mouths barely look big enough to eat brine shrimp!

Here are some pics:

 

[chrisstie]

Nice shrooms! They look like they are reaching out for more light but it could be possible they would acclimate to the lower light.. they tend to do well under mediocre circumstances and make like rabbits when it comes to multiplying

 

[silver619]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9023379#post9023379 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrisstie
Nice shrooms! They look like they are reaching out for more light but it could be possible they would acclimate to the lower light.. they tend to do well under mediocre circumstances and make like rabbits when it comes to multiplying

Thanks for the input! I guess I'll leave them there for another day or so and if they are still doing that I'll move them up higher.

How can I tell when they are hungry? I tried to feed them some brine shrimp with a baster this morning, but nothing happened.

 

[kiknchikn]

Welcome to the shroom club!

I think they're stretching for light a little bit too. When you feed them make sure your flow is minimal or the food will simply blow off their oral disk before they have a chance to close up around it or secrete mucus to catch it. If they seem slow to respond you can try tickling the edges of the shroom and it may start to close up around the food. If they refuse to eat don't worry about it too much, they should get more than enough energy from photosynthesis.