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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 diverse array of coral genera such as Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon, resulting in varying care requirements due to their unique characteristics and differences. This collective group presents a mix of corals that exhibit different growth patterns and colors, making them a captivating addition to reef aquariums.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice corals, known for their loose arrangement, require a generalized care approach due to the diverse range of coral types they represent. They thrive in stable reef aquarium environments with moderate lighting levels of around 100 PAR, while excessively intense lighting exceeding 400 PAR can cause color fading. These corals exhibit vibrant fluorescence under actinic LED lighting, with varying appearances depending on light intensity throughout the year. They prefer moderate water flow to prevent detritus buildup and minimize the risk of colonies toppling due to excessive current.
Lighting
Moderate lighting is recommended for Chalice Corals, ideally around 100 PAR to enhance coloration and support overall health. While these corals can tolerate more intense light levels, extremely high PAR values above 400 may lead to color loss. Chalice corals showcase remarkable fluorescence, especially under actinic LED lighting, and their appearance may vary seasonally based on light intensity, with winter months providing the most attractive coloration.
Water Flow
Maintaining moderate water movement is vital for Chalice Corals, as low flow rates can lead to detritus accumulation on colonies, creating dead spots. Conversely, strong currents pose a risk of toppling chalice colonies due to their sail-like structure that catches water flow. Striking a balance with water flow prevents debris buildup and ensures the stability of chalice coral colonies within the aquarium.
Feeding
Chalice corals heavily rely on zooxanthellae products for nutrition and are surprisingly voracious eaters. Although they lack pronounced polyp extension, time-lapse videos reveal their substantial consumption of various foods, including Mysis Shrimp, small critters, and pellet foods ranging from 6 to 13mm in size. Regular feeding sessions with a variety of food types contribute to the health and vibrancy of Chalice Corals in a reef aquarium setting.
Propagation
Chalice Corals have been extensively propagated in captivity, making them an excellent candidate for aquaculture. Propagation methods often involve cutting colonies into larger segments, allowing them to heal before further fragmentation into frag-sized pieces. Different varieties of Chalice Corals exhibit varying propagation success rates, emphasizing the importance of careful handling and proper healing periods to enhance survival rates.
Localization & Habitat
Chalice Corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, flourishing in diverse reef ecosystems across islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat reflects the rich biodiversity and vibrant marine life present in these tropical regions, highlighting the diverse and captivating nature of Chalice Corals in their indigenous environments.