Ricordea Florida

Ricordea florida (family Ricordeidae, order Corallimorpharia) is a solitary mushroom anemone native to the reefs of the Caribbean and the Florida coast. Compact disc-shaped polyps 3–8 cm in diameter are covered with small, bumpy vesicle tentacles. Though smaller than its Indo-Pacific relative R. yuma, R. florida compensates with extraordinary color variety—vivid orange, green, blue, purple, and multicolored morphs, with rare patterns commanding premium collector prices. Care is beginner-accessible: low to moderate lighting (50–150 PAR) and gentle flow are sufficient. Water temperature should be kept slightly cooler than typical tropical reefs (22–26°C), reflecting the species' Caribbean origin; KH 8–10 is appropriate. Growth is slow, and propagation by bisection is possible though recovery may be slower than R. yuma. Optional feeding with fine foods 1–2 times weekly enhances coloration. The uniquely Caribbean color palette and collectible nature of R. florida maintain its strong popularity among corallimorpharian enthusiasts.

Photosynthesis, Liquid food