The Purple Mushroom originates from Tonga, and has a beautiful purple coloration. It is a rare species. The Rhodactis mushroom corals form papillae that resemble cauliflower-like patterns, which differentiate them from the normally smooth Discosoma mushrooms. This variety of mushroom coral is highly adaptive to lighting levels (usually low to medium). Unlike most other mushrooms, this species can grow only up to 3 inches in diameter. So it is desirable for smaller tank. Under the right conditions, they will rapidly divide in the aquarium creating a beautiful carpet covering the rockwork.

The Purple Mushroom is very easy to maintain in the reef aquarium and prefers a low water movement which enables them to maximize their expansion and ultimately light absorption. They are highly adaptable to different lighting conditions, but are commonly placed towards the bottom of a reef aquarium. It is semi-aggressive and requires adequate space between itself and other corals. Longitudinal fission is the primary means of reproduction.

The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provide the majority of its nutritional requirements through photosynthesis, but also has the ability to consume zooplankton and small meaty foods.