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Datasheet
| Care Description | Chalice Corals are a broad collection of corals that are loosely jumbled together. Several different genera of corals are represented ranging from Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and even Lithophyllon. As such, care requirements are going to be generalized more than other corals because these are very different corals that all get lumped in together. Please see below for more care tips for Chalice Corals. |
| Water Flow | Moderate |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Chalice Corals encompass a variety of genera, including Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon. These corals are characterized by their colorful and intricate patterns, with the Aquamarine Chalice, for example, featuring sky blue/green hues and bright orange eyes.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice corals have generalized care requirements due to the diverse nature of the genera included. They are known to be aggressive eaters, feeding on Mysis Shrimp and small critters within a specific size range. These corals heavily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition and can consume a variety of food types, from frozen to pellet foods.
Lighting
Moderate lighting, around 100 PAR, is recommended for optimal coloration and health of chalice corals. While they can tolerate more intense light to some extent, extremely high light levels (over 400 PAR) may negatively impact their well-being and coloration. Chalice corals exhibit impressive fluorescence, especially under actinic LED lighting.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is ideal for chalice corals. Inadequate flow may lead to detritus accumulation, creating dead spots on the colonies. Conversely, overly strong flow can pose a risk of toppling the colonies due to their sail-like shape that catches the water current.
Feeding
Chalice corals are effective feeders, despite not displaying significant polyp extension. They consume substantial amounts of food, as evidenced in time-lapse videos. Offering a variety of foods, including frozen and pellet options, can support their nutritional needs.
Propagation
Chalice corals are well-suited for propagation and aquaculture. To propagate successfully, cutting colonies into large sections and allowing them to heal before further fragmentation into frag-sized pieces can enhance survival rates.
Localization & Habitat
Chalices are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, spanning areas such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their habitat includes diverse reef environments where they thrive amidst moderate water movement and suitable lighting conditions.