THE TOP 5 MOST COLORFUL CORALS FOR A SALTWATER TANK

1. Zoanthids and Palythoas: The Garden of Many Colors

Often referred to as "Zoos" or "Button Polyps," Zoanthids are perhaps the most diverse group of corals in the hobby. They grow in colonial mats and come in thousands of named "designer" varieties, such as Radioactive Dragon Eyes, Fruit Loops, and Utter Chaos. Their colors are often multi-layered, with a different hue for the center (the mouth), the plate, and the surrounding tentacles (the skirt). Because they are soft corals, they are incredibly hardy and can thrive in a wide range of lighting and flow conditions, making them the ultimate choice for a beginner looking for maximum color impact.

The beauty of Zoanthids is that they can be placed almost anywhere in the tank. If you have a bare patch of rock or a section of the sand bed, a few small frags will eventually spread to create a vibrant carpet. However, a common mistake is underestimating their growth rate; some varieties can become invasive, growing over more delicate stony corals. Additionally, while they are beautiful, many Zoanthids and Palythoas contain palytoxin, a potent neurotoxin. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling them outside of the water. To ensure your tank is ready for these colorful inhabitants, make sure the process of cycling a fish tank is fully complete and your nutrients are stable.

• Lighting: Low to moderate; they display their best "neon" colors under actinic (blue) lights.
• Placement: Lower to mid-level rocks; some hobbyists keep them on isolated "islands" to control spreading.
• Feeding: Not strictly necessary, but they will grow faster if given powdered reef foods.
• Variety Tip: Mix multiple "morphs" on the same rock for a diverse, multi-colored look.

2. Acans (Micromussa lordhowensis): The Brain of the Reef

If you want a coral that looks like a piece of stained glass, look no further than the Micromussa, still widely known in the hobby as the "Acan Lord." These Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals are famous for their concentric rings of contrasting colors—imagine a bright red center surrounded by a teal ring and a purple border. They have a thick, fleshy appearance that makes them look almost like small, colorful donuts grouped together. They are relatively slow growers, which means they won't take over your tank, and they are surprisingly resilient for a stony coral.

Acans are particularly popular because they respond incredibly well to supplemental feeding. When you target-feed them mysis shrimp or specialized pellets, their polyps swell up, and their colors become even more saturated. This is a great coral for intermediate hobbyists who want to practice their husbandry skills. However, be careful with water quality; while they are hardy, they do not tolerate the dangers of high ammonia, nitrite and nitrate well, which can lead to tissue recession and the loss of their vibrant pigments.

• Lighting: Low to moderate; too much light can cause them to bleach or turn a dull orange.
• Flow: Low; high flow will prevent their fleshy polyps from fully extending.
• Feeding: Target feed 1-2 times a week with meaty foods for the best health and color.
• Compatibility: They can be placed close to other Acans, but keep them away from aggressive corals with long sweepers.

3. Euphyllia: Torches, Hammers, and Frogsawns

For many reefers, the Euphyllia genus represents the pinnacle of "movement" and color. These corals feature long, flowing tentacles that sway in the current, ending in tips that are often a different, glowing color. The "Gold Torch" is a high-end favorite with shimmering metallic tentacles, while "Green Hammers" offer a beautiful neon glow that can be seen from across the room. These corals add a vertical dimension to your aquascape that few others can match.

Because Euphyllia have long stinging tentacles (sweepers), they require plenty of space. You cannot pack them tightly against other coral types without a chemical war breaking out. They also require stable calcium and alkalinity levels to build their stony skeletons. If you are keeping a Euphyllia-heavy tank, you might consider colorful fish that enjoy similar moderate-flow environments, such as a pair of Royal Grammas or various reef-safe Wrasses. These fish won't pick at the coral's tentacles, ensuring the polyps stay fully extended and vibrant.

• The Torch Coral: The most aggressive and high-flow loving of the group; known for electric golds and purples.
• The Hammer Coral: Features anchor-shaped tips; often comes in beautiful bi-color variations like green and purple.
• The Frogspawn: Has multi-tipped tentacles that resemble frog eggs; provides a very lush, bushy look.
• Care Tip: Use a specialized coral dip before adding them to your tank to prevent "Brown Jelly Disease."

4. Ricordea Mushrooms: The Glowing Orbs

Mushrooms are often seen as "beginner corals," but the Ricordea species (specifically Ricordea florida) are in a league of their own when it comes to aesthetics. These corals are covered in small, grape-like vesicles that give them a unique bubbled texture. A single Ricordea can contain a stunning gradient of orange, neon green, and deep blue all on one disc. They are nearly indestructible, making them perfect for those who are still mastering their water chemistry.

Ricordeas are very affordable compared to high-end LPS or SPS corals, allowing you to buy several different colors to create a "mushroom garden" on your sand bed or lower rocks. They do not have long sweepers, so they are generally safe to place near other peaceful inhabitants. However, avoid keeping them with aggressive "nippers" like certain large Angelfish or Pufferfish, as the fleshy discs are an easy target. Researching the basics of fish compatibility in a reef setting will help you choose tank mates that respect your mushrooms.

• Low Light Kings: They thrive in the shaded areas of the tank where other corals might struggle.
• Reproduction: They reproduce by "splitting" or dropping babies, slowly filling in the gaps in your rockwork.
• Water Flow: They prefer low flow; too much movement will cause them to detach from the rock and float away.
• Color Pop: Orange Ricordeas are particularly famous for their "neon" glow under evening blue lights.

5. Blastomussa: The Low-Light Jewels

Rounding out our list is the Blastomussa (often called "Blastos"). There are two main types: Wellsi and Merletti. Both are known for their incredibly deep, saturated colors—most commonly deep crimson reds with bright neon green centers. Unlike the flowing Euphyllia or the spreading Zoanthids, Blastos grow in neat, round polyps that look like small, blooming flowers. They are one of the best corals for adding a "red" pop to your tank, a color that is surprisingly rare in many reef setups.

Blastos are very peaceful and grow slowly, which makes them easy to manage in smaller tanks. They are sensitive to intense light, so they should be placed at the bottom of the tank or even in slightly shaded areas. This makes them a great "utility" coral for filling in those lower spots that get less light. Because they are slow to react to changes, they are a good indicator of long-term tank stability. If your Blastos are fully puffed up and showing deep colors, you know your reef is in a healthy state.

• Red/Green Contrast: The most common and popular color morph; provides a very traditional "holiday" look.
• Feeding: While not required, they appreciate occasional feedings of finely chopped meaty foods.
• Placement: Bottom of the tank, ideally on the sand bed or a low rock shelf.
• Stability: They prefer stable salinity and moderate nutrients; don't let your tank get "too clean" or they may shrink.

Takeaway: Creating Your Own Aquatic Masterpiece

Adding color to your saltwater tank is more than just an aesthetic choice; it is about creating a balanced ecosystem where different species can coexist and thrive. By starting with these five "powerhouse" corals—Zoanthids, Acans, Euphyllia, Ricordeas, and Blastos—you ensure a vibrant display that is manageable for any hobbyist. The secret to maintaining these intense colors is consistency: keep your lighting schedule steady, your water parameters stable, and your nutrients within a healthy range. As your corals grow and begin to fill out your aquascape, you will find that the reef hobby is one of the most rewarding ways to bring the beauty of the natural world into your home. Ready to find the perfect lighting to make these corals pop or the best salt mix for LPS growth? Explore our expert guides and community reviews at RateMyFishTank.com to take your reef to the next level! Every stunning reef starts with a single, healthy frag—which color will you choose first? Would you like me to help you design a coral placement map based on your current tank's lighting and flow zones?