Emerald Rainbow Favia: The Neon Green and Red Masterpiece

The Emerald Rainbow Favia is an exceptionally striking 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," valued for their hardiness and dense, massive structure.

This specific strain is highly prized for its brilliant, high-fluorescence coloration. It is characterized by an intense emerald green or neon green base that coats the walls (septa/coenosteum), sharply contrasted by recessed, clearly defined corallite mouths (centers) in bright red, pink, or deep orange. This combination of colors creates a truly spectacular display, particularly under high-actinic lighting.

The Emerald Rainbow Favia grows in an encrusting and massive or dome-shaped morphology, with clearly defined individual corallites. It is considered a Hardy LPS coral, making it suitable for intermediate hobbyists. It requires stable water parameters and should be placed under moderate light to maintain its vibrant green and red pigments without bleaching.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is a Mixotroph, meaning it is primarily Photosynthetic (deriving most energy from symbiotic algae) but is also a capable Carnivore. It relies on zooxanthellae for most of its energy.
• Feeding: Supplemental target feeding is highly beneficial for faster growth and maintaining health and color vibrancy. 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 Emerald 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: Emerald Rainbow Favia
• Other Common Names: Emerald Green Favia, Green and Red 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