Heteroscarus acroptilus, the rainbow cale, is a species of weed whiting endemic to Australia where it is found in marine waters along the southern coast.

[3] It inhabits rocky reefs that have plentiful growth of brown algae and also in beds of seagrass, particularly those of the genus Posidonia.

[4] It occurs at depths of from 1 to 15 metres (3.3 to 49.2 ft).

This species grows to a length of 24 centimetres (9.4 in) SL.

It can also be found in the aquarium trade.