5 Most Expensive Corals You Can Buy

Coral reefs are some of the planet’s most diverse and important ecosystems, providing habitat for countless species and serving as a crucial buffer against coastal erosion. Unfortunately, climate change, pollution, and overfishing threaten these delicate and vital systems. Despite this, the aquarium trade remains a significant industry, with enthusiasts willing to pay top dollar for rare and beautiful specimens.

In this article, we’ll look at the five most expensive corals you can buy, from the stunning and elusive Pink Cadillac Acropora to the rare and coveted Holy Grail Torch coral.

While the prices for these corals can reach dizzying heights, it’s important to remember the importance of responsible and sustainable practices in the aquarium trade to help protect these vital ecosystems for future generations.

5. Indophyllia Coral

photo source: Reef Builders

Indophyllia coral, also known as the “War Coral,” is a highly sought-after species in the aquarium trade due to its striking appearance and relative rarity. This coral is native to the Indo-Pacific region and typically grows in shallow waters with high light and water flow levels.

One of the main reasons why Indophyllia coral is so expensive is its slow growth rate, which makes it difficult to cultivate and propagate.

Another factor contributing to the high cost of Indophyllia coral is its unique and vibrant coloration, which ranges from deep blues and greens to bright pinks and oranges. These colors are produced by pigments known as chromoproteins, which are sensitive to light and can be influenced by various factors such as water chemistry and nutrient levels.

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In addition, this coral is quite sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature, which can further limit its availability in the market.

4. Cornbred’s Holy Grail Torch

photo source: eBay

Cornbred’s Holy Grail Torch is another highly coveted and expensive coral in the aquarium trade. This species is known for its distinctive green and gold stalks, which can reach impressive heights of up to a foot or more.

The Holy Grail Torch is native to shallow water reefs and is generally considered slightly rare, contributing to its high price tag. In addition to its beauty, the Holy Grail Torch is also known for its hardiness and relative ease of care, making it a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts.

However, it’s important to note that even with responsible and sustainable sourcing practices, the high demand for this species can put additional pressure on vulnerable coral reef ecosystems. As such, it’s crucial to be mindful of the potential impacts of the aquarium trade and to prioritize conservation efforts to protect these valuable and delicate ecosystems.

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One of the reasons why the Holy Grail Torch is so highly valued is its unique and striking appearance, which is created by pigments known as chlorophyll and xanthophyll.

3. WWC Bounce Mushroom

photo source: AquaNerd

The World Wide Corals (WWC) Bounce Mushroom is a highly coveted and expensive species in the aquarium trade, known for its striking appearance and relative rarity. This mushroom coral has a unique and unusual appearance, with a textured surface and bright colors ranging from neon greens to deep blues and purples.

One of the reasons why the WWC Bounce Mushroom is so expensive is its relative rarity in the wild, as this species is only found in a few select locations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Another factor contributing to the high cost of the WWC Bounce Mushroom is its unique and distinctive appearance, created by pigments known as fluorescent proteins. These proteins absorb and emit light to create a glowing effect, adding to the mushroom’s already eye-catching appearance.

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Additionally, the bounce mushroom’s slow growth rate makes it difficult to cultivate and propagate, further limiting its availability in the market.

2. Purple MonsterJawbreaker Mushroom

photo source: Youtube

The Purple MonsterJawbreaker Mushroom is one of the rarest and most expensive corals in the aquarium trade, with a price tag reaching up to $10,000. This mushroom coral is known for its vibrant purple coloration, which is created by pigments known as anthocyanins.

The Purple MonsterJawbreaker Mushroom is found in reef areas of the Indo-Pacific region, where it grows in shallow waters with high levels of light and water flow.

However, this species is extremely rare in the wild, with only a few specimens being found each year. This rarity, combined with the mushroom’s unique and beautiful appearance, has led to its high price tag in the aquarium trade.

One factor contributing to the Purple MonsterJawbreaker Mushroom’s high cost is its slow growth rate, making it difficult to cultivate and propagate.

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This species is quite sensitive to water quality and temperature changes, further limiting its availability in the market.

1. Colorado Sunburst Anemone

photo source: Top Shelf Aquatics

The Colorado Sunburst Anemone is considered the most expensive coral in the aquarium trade, with some specimens fetching prices of up to $30,000, making it the most expensive coral in the market. This anemone is known for its vibrant and unique coloration, with a bright orange body and tentacles with a metallic green sheen.

One of the reasons why the Colorado Sunburst Anemone is so expensive is its relative rarity in the wild, as this species is found only in certain areas along the Pacific coast of North America.

Another factor contributing to the high cost of the Colorado Sunburst Anemone is its unique and stunning appearance, created by pigments known as fluorescent proteins. These proteins absorb and emit light, creating a glowing effect, adding to the anemone’s already striking appearance.

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It also has a slow growth rate and is difficult to propagate, making it even rarer and sought after in the market.