Rainbow Galaxy Acanthophyllia #1 - WYSIWYG

Rainbow Galaxy Acanthothilia (Acanthophyllia sp.)

The Rainbow Galaxy Acanthothilia is a premium large polyp stony coral, admired for its bold rainbow colouration, fleshy inflated tissue and striking showpiece appearance. This coral is often associated with the Acanthophyllia-style meat coral group, also known as doughnut corals, which are prized for their dramatic single-polyp form and intense colour patterns. It is a true centrepiece coral for a mature reef aquarium and should be given stable placement, gentle flow and enough space to expand naturally.

Common Name:
Rainbow Galaxy Acanthothilia, Rainbow Acanthophyllia, Galaxy Acanthophyllia, Meat Coral, Doughnut Coral.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Acanthophyllia sp.
May be sold under trade or supplier names such as Acanthothilia, depending on import or farm labelling.

Coral Type:
LPS Coral

Growth Form:
Large fleshy solitary polyp with a rounded, inflated meat coral-style growth form over a hard calcium carbonate skeleton.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Acanthophyllia-style corals are found in Indo-Pacific reef habitats, often in calmer reef zones where they can sit on sandy or lower-energy reef areas without harsh direct flow. In aquariums, they are best treated as lower-level showpiece corals that need stable support, gentle movement and enough room for full tissue expansion.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nitrate: Low but detectable
Phosphate: Low but detectable

Lighting:
Low to Medium
Rainbow Galaxy Acanthothilia should be kept under low to moderate reef lighting. Avoid placing it directly under intense light without acclimation, as fleshy LPS corals can become stressed or faded under excessive lighting. A lower placement with gradual light acclimation is usually safest.

Flow:
Low
Gentle, indirect flow is ideal. Flow should be enough to prevent detritus from settling on the tissue, but not strong enough to fold, whip or constantly compress the coral’s flesh. Harsh direct flow can cause irritation, poor expansion and tissue damage.

Placement:
Best placed on the sandbed or a broad, stable lower rock shelf where the coral’s fleshy tissue cannot rub against sharp rockwork. Allow plenty of open space around the coral so it can inflate fully without touching neighbouring corals or abrasive surfaces.

Temperament / Aggression:
Semi-aggressive
Although not one of the most aggressive LPS corals, this coral should still be given space from neighbouring corals. Its fleshy tissue can be damaged by stings, abrasion or contact with aggressive LPS species, and it may also irritate nearby corals if placed too closely.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic, but benefits from feeding
This coral receives much of its energy from lighting through its symbiotic zooxanthellae, but it can benefit from occasional target feeding. Suitable foods include mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine meaty foods, LPS pellets and specialist coral foods. Feed when feeding tentacles are visible and avoid overfeeding, as excess food can affect water quality.

Growth Rate:
Slow
Acanthophyllia-style corals are generally slow-growing, with long-term success depending more on stability, tissue health and careful placement than rapid skeletal growth. Good expansion, strong colour and clean tissue are the best signs that the coral is doing well.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, stable reef aquarium with gentle flow, low-to-moderate lighting and consistent water chemistry. Avoid sharp rock contact, rough handling, sudden lighting changes and aggressive neighbouring corals. The fleshy tissue can be damaged easily if scraped or compressed, so placement should be secure and low-stress. Dip and acclimate carefully before adding to the aquarium, and monitor for tissue recession, poor inflation or irritation from sand, debris or direct flow.

Suitable for:
Intermediate reefkeepers

Availability:
Premium specialist LPS coral / Availability can vary depending on colour intensity, supplier naming and import season.

All images are a visual representation of the coral you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns, colours and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.