Turquoise Rainbow Favia

Turquoise Rainbow Favia: The Icy Blue and Orange Masterpiece

The Turquoise Rainbow Favia is a visually spectacular and highly prized collector strain of Favia coral, a type of Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral. Favia species are robust corals commonly known as "Moon Corals" or "Brain Corals."

This specific strain is named for its unique polychromatic coloration, dominated by cool tones. It typically features a base color of bright turquoise, icy blue, or pale lavender along the walls (septa/coenosteum). This cool tone is sharply contrasted by pronounced corallite mouths (centers) in warm neon orange, red, or pink, creating a stunning rainbow effect. The intensity of the blue and turquoise hues is heavily dependent on specific lighting and pristine water quality.

The Turquoise Rainbow Favia grows in an encrusting and massive or dome-shaped morphology, with clearly defined, individually colored corallites. It is considered a Hardy LPS coral, but its high value and color demands push its care level toward Moderate to Advanced. It requires stable parameters and moderate light intensity for optimal coloration.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is a Mixotroph, meaning it is primarily Photosynthetic (deriving most energy from symbiotic algae) but is also a robust Carnivore. It relies on zooxanthellae for most of its energy.
• Feeding: Supplemental target feeding is highly beneficial for faster growth and maintaining health and vibrant coloration. Its mouths are visible and receptive, especially at night when polyps extend. Feed 2-3 times per week with meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, cyclops, or fine coral foods like Reef Roids and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but is Aggressive. Favia corals, like other brain corals, extend long, potent sweeper tentacles at night to defend their territory. It is essential to give the Turquoise Rainbow Favia at least 3-4 inches of clear space from all neighboring corals, particularly passive or delicate species.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It should be positioned on mid-to-lower rockwork where it receives moderate, indirect light and moderate water flow. Avoid directing strong, laminar flow directly onto its fleshy tissue.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with low to moderate nutrient levels (Nitrate 5-10 ppm, Phosphate 0.05-0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1250-1350 ppm). Demands Moderate PAR lighting (100-200 PAR).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Favia sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Turquoise Rainbow Favia
• Other Common Names: Icy Blue Favia, Turquoise Brain Coral
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large, dome-shaped colonies (8-12+ inches)
• Temperament: Aggressive (Territorial, uses potent sweeper tentacles)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits greatly from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons (Established reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes, but requires strict spacing.
• Care Level: Moderate to Advanced