More info
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 diverse group of corals from genera like Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon, displaying varied characteristics. The Candy Corn Chalice Mini Colony, for instance, features a neon green base with a blue/purple rim and protruding candy corn-shaped eyes, making it a visually striking species.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice corals have generalized care requirements due to the mix of coral genera they represent, making them adaptable to different conditions. These corals thrive in a stable aquarium environment with moderate lighting (around 100 PAR) for optimal coloration and health. They are tolerant of fluctuations but can suffer under excessively intense light conditions exceeding 400 PAR.
Lighting
Moderate lighting around 100 PAR is recommended for Chalice Corals, with some tolerance for greater intensity. Vibrant fluorescence, characteristic of Chalices, is best appreciated under actinic LED lighting. Seasonal lighting changes can impact coloration, with winter months enhancing their appearance compared to the muted tones often seen during summer.
Water Flow
Maintaining moderate water movement is essential for Chalice Corals, as low flow can lead to detritus buildup while excessive flow may topple the colonies due to their sail-like structure. Striking a balance in water flow helps prevent dead spots and ensures the well-being of these corals.
Feeding
Chalice corals primarily rely on their zooxanthellae for sustenance but are surprisingly voracious feeders, consuming various foods like Mysis Shrimp, small critters, and pellets. Despite minimal polyp extension, time-lapse observations reveal their substantial food intake, making them adaptable to different feeding regimens, including frozen and pellet foods.
Propagation
Chalice corals have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them suitable candidates for aquaculture. The key to successful propagation lies in cutting colonies into sizable sections, allowing for proper healing before further fragmentation into frag-sized pieces, ensuring higher survival rates.
Localization & Habitat
Chalice Corals are commonly found across the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting areas around islands like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat provides insights into their environmental preferences and highlights the need to mimic these conditions in captive settings for their well-being.