Rainbow Rommels Acropora

Rainbow Rommels Acropora: The Multicolored Turret

The Rainbow Rommels Acropora (Acropora species, specifically a stunning variant of A. abrolhosensis or similar tabling/encrusting species) is a highly desirable and exceptionally rare Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral in the collector market. This strain is celebrated for exhibiting a complex array of colors simultaneously, often including a base of metallic blue or purple, with yellow-green body tissue, and bright red or pink growth tips. The vivid combination creates a true "rainbow" effect under ideal lighting.

The Rainbow Rommels typically grows in a low, dense tabling or plating morphology with short, clustered branches (turrets). Achieving and maintaining its polychromatic intensity requires meticulous water management, focusing on ultra-low nutrient levels (ULNS) and the consistent delivery of minor and trace elements necessary for full color development.

Due to its high sensitivity and reliance on precise environmental control, the Rainbow Rommels Acropora is strictly designated for the Expert-Only hobbyist who can provide an impeccably stable and mature reef environment.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic. It relies heavily on energy produced by its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, thriving under strong light intensity.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is strongly recommended to support its demanding coloration and growth, especially in ULNS systems. Target feed the polyps 2-3 times per week with high-quality, fine particulate foods, such as amino acid solutions, cyclops, or commercial coral powders. Feeding must be balanced to avoid raising nutrient levels.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but fiercely Territorial. Like all Acropora species, it is chemically and physically aggressive. Due to its plating growth, care must be taken that it does not shade or sting corals placed below it. It requires ample space, ideally 6 inches or more of clearance from all neighboring corals.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Highly Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It should be positioned in the middle-to-upper region of the aquarium to receive maximum light and strong, variable water flow.
• Water Requirements: Requires zero tolerance for instability. The tank must be mature with ultra-low nutrient levels (Nitrate < 5 ppm, Phosphate < 0.05 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.0), Calcium (420-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1400 ppm). Demands very intense, high-PAR lighting (PAR 350-550+).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Acropora sp. (Likely a variant of A. abrolhosensis or similar)
• Primary Common Name: Rainbow Rommels Acropora
• Other Common Names: Rommels Rainbow Acro, Multicolored Plating Acro
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large, dense plates (10-15+ inches in diameter)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthetic (Zooxanthellate; benefits from plankton/aminos)
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons (Established, dedicated SPS reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes, but requires expert-level spacing and stability.
• Care Level: Expert Only