10 Rare Coral Types Reef Keepers Will Pay Big Money For

Reef keepers are always on the lookout for rare corals to add to their tanks. These corals are not only a testament to nature’s beauty but also a challenge for hobbyists to maintain. Many of these species are hard to find, making them highly desirable among collectors. Let’s dive into the world of rare corals that capture the attention of those passionate about reef aquariums.

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Hexagon Brain Coral (Diploastrea heliopora)

Hexagon Brain Coral is a rare species that originates in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around Indonesia and the Philippines. Known for its unique hexagonal pattern, it creates a mesmerizing appearance in any reef tank. This coral is rare due to its specific habitat requirements and the slow growth rate, which makes it difficult to cultivate in captivity. Reef keepers value it for its distinctive look and the challenge it presents in care.

Due to its rarity, this coral is often saved for by hobbyists who seek to add unique, eye-catching species to their collection. It thrives in stable water conditions with moderate to high light levels, making it a bit tricky to maintain. The intricate patterns that emerge on its surface are its main appeal, adding a captivating design to aquariums. Its slow growth and delicate nature make it a prized coral among enthusiasts.

Naked Yellow Acro (Acropora caroliniana)

Acropora caroliniana is a stunning branching coral found primarily in the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, especially around Australia and the Philippines. Known for its vivid coloration, it often displays hues of green and blue, making it a favorite among reef keepers. Its rarity comes from its preference for specific water conditions, requiring careful monitoring to maintain its health. This coral is highly sought after due to its brilliant color and fast growth when cared for properly.

Reef keepers save up for Acropora caroliniana because it brings vibrant color and texture to a reef tank. Its branches can quickly fill out, creating a natural and dense reef structure. However, it needs stable, pristine water quality to thrive, making it a more challenging species to keep. Acropora caroliniana‘s rarity is not just due to its water requirements but also its striking visual appeal, which makes it a top choice for advanced hobbyists.

Purple Monster Acro

The Purple Monster Acro is one of the most coveted corals in the reef-keeping community, prized for its deep purple hue and branching structure. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, it is a rare variant of the Acropora family, making it highly valuable. Its rarity is due to the limited availability of this color morph in the wild and the challenges in breeding it in captivity. The bold purple tones and intricate growth patterns make it an extraordinary addition to any tank.

Reef keepers save up for the Purple Monster Acro due to its vibrant, unique color and impressive branching structure. This coral demands stable water quality, high light levels, and pristine conditions to thrive. Its rarity and beauty come with a price, as it is difficult to find and often comes at a high cost. For those who can care for it properly, the Purple Monster Acro is a stunning showpiece that adds unmatched color to any reef tank.

Red Devil (Acropora tenella)

Red Devil (Acropora tenella) is a rare branching coral that originates from the Indo-Pacific, particularly around Fiji and Tonga. Its striking red and orange coloration makes it stand out, with vivid hues that can brighten any reef tank. This coral is considered rare due to its sensitive nature, requiring very specific water conditions, including high light and low nutrient levels. Its beauty and rarity make it highly desirable for collectors.

This species is known for its rapid growth once settled into the right conditions but is challenging to keep due to its sensitivity to water changes. Reef keepers value the Red Devil Acropora for its intense color and unique appearance, which is hard to replicate. Due to its delicate nature, it is typically saved for more experienced reef enthusiasts who can provide the optimal conditions. Its rarity and bold colors make it one of the most sought-after corals.

Pacific Elkhorn (Acropora rotumana)

Pacific Elkhorn, or Acropora rotumana, is a branching coral found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including areas around Fiji and Papua New Guinea. This species is known for its wide, flattened branches that resemble antlers, giving it its elk horn appearance. It is considered rare due to its slow growth rate and the delicate conditions it requires to thrive in captivity. As a result, it is highly valued by reef keepers who seek rare, visually appealing corals.

Reef keepers save up for the Pacific Elkhorn because of its unique shape and its ability to form large, intricate structures over time. This coral needs high light levels and stable water conditions, making it a challenge to maintain. Despite the challenges, it is prized for the dramatic and expansive display it offers once fully grown.

 Branching Brain Coral (Australogyra zelli)

Australogyra zelli is a type of brain coral native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around Indonesia and the Philippines. Known for its rounded shape and deep grooves, this coral has a striking appearance that mimics the structure of a brain, making it visually captivating. Its rarity comes from its slow growth rate and the specific conditions it needs to thrive, including stable water quality and moderate lighting. Reef keepers value it for its resilience in tougher environments.

This coral is especially sought after for its unique shape and striking texture. It requires steady water parameters and occasional feeding to keep it healthy, which can make it tricky to care for. Australogyra zelli adds an interesting dimension to any reef tank, offering both beauty and challenge. Its rarity in the hobby comes from its hard-to-find nature and the attention required to keep it thriving.

Antler Coral (Paraclavarina triangularis)

Paraclavarina triangularis is a rare coral species found in the deep waters of the Indo-Pacific. This coral is known for its bright, triangular-shaped polyps that create a unique visual effect. Its rarity comes from its limited distribution and the specific conditions needed to maintain it in captivity, such as low light and moderate flow. It is highly valued for its unusual structure and the challenge it presents for reef keepers.

Known for its vibrant colors, Paraclavarina triangularis is not a common find in most aquariums, adding to its appeal. This coral species is hardy once established but requires precise care to thrive, making it a favorite among advanced reef keepers. It can live in both reef tanks and lower-light environments, which adds versatility to its use. Its rare appearance and beautiful texture make it a highly sought-after species.

Rainbow Montipora

Rainbow Montipora is a highly sought-after coral known for its vibrant, multicolored patterns that shift as the coral grows. This species is native to the Indo-Pacific and is found in areas with stable, warm waters. Its rarity stems from the difficulty of reproducing the vivid colors and its slow growth rate. Reef keepers save up for this coral because it brings a splash of color to any tank while presenting a unique challenge.

The vibrant hues of Rainbow Montipora make it stand out in any reef tank, with shades of pink, green, and orange. It requires high light levels and stable water conditions, making it a little tricky to care for. However, its beautiful, bold colors and unique patterns make it a prized addition for those who are able to meet its needs. Its rarity and visual appeal make it a popular choice for collectors seeking standout corals.

Chalice Corals

Chalice corals are a group of corals that are known for their large, plate-like structures and wide variety of colors. These corals are typically found in deeper, calmer waters of the Indo-Pacific, making them relatively rare in the hobby. Chalice corals are prized for their intricate, sculptural appearance and the slow, steady growth they exhibit. Their rarity comes from the careful conditions required to keep them healthy, including specific light and flow requirements.

Hobbyists save up for chalice corals due to their beauty and unique forms, with some varieties displaying incredible iridescent colors. These corals can be more challenging to care for, as they are sensitive to water quality and light levels. However, their stunning appearance and the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully cultivating them make them highly desirable.

Dragon Soul Favia

Dragon Soul Favia is a brightly colored coral known for its vivid green and red hues that create a striking contrast. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, it is highly valued for its unique pattern and the bold color combinations on its polyps. The rarity of this coral is due to its specific care requirements, including stable water conditions and moderate light. Reef keepers save up for this coral because it provides a dramatic, colorful display in any reef tank.

This coral is known for its resilience once established, but can be tricky to maintain due to its sensitivity to sudden changes in water quality. Dragon Soul Favia is perfect for aquariums where it can receive moderate light and flow, making it ideal for experienced hobbyists. The bright colors and distinct shape make it an exceptional addition to any coral collection. Its rarity and vibrant appearance make it a prized species for advanced reef enthusiasts.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.