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, showcasing a variety of colors and patterns. Due to this diversity, care requirements for Chalice Corals are generalized, reflecting the different needs of the various species within this category.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice corals, being a mix of different genera, require specific attention to their setup. They thrive in moderate lighting around 100 PAR, although they can tolerate more intense light up to 400 PAR. Exposure to extremely high light levels may lead to color fading, depending on the species of Chalice Coral. Moderate water movement is recommended to prevent detritus accumulation, while avoiding strong currents that could topple the colonies due to their sail-like shape.
Lighting
For optimal coloration and health, Chalice Corals do best under moderate lighting conditions of around 100 PAR. While they can tolerate more intense lighting, exceeding 400 PAR may lead to adverse effects. Actinic LED lighting brings out the impressive fluorescence in Chalice Corals, with their colors appearing most vibrant under such light.
Water Flow
Maintaining moderate water movement is crucial for Chalice Corals to prevent detritus buildup that can create dead spots. Excessive water flow should be avoided as it may cause colonies to topple over, given their unique shape that can catch the current like a sail.
Feeding
Chalice Corals heavily rely on the products of their zooxanthellae for nutrition but also exhibit surprising aggressiveness in feeding. Despite lacking pronounced polyp extension, they are efficient eaters and consume a variety of foods, from frozen to pellet options. Even though it may not be visually evident, time-lapse videos reveal their substantial food intake, showcasing their feeding behavior.
Propagation
Chalice Corals have been successfully propagated in captivity and are considered excellent candidates for aquaculture. Effective propagation methods involve cutting colonies into large sections, allowing for healing before further fragmentation into frag-sized pieces. This approach typically yields higher survival rates for Chalice Coral propagation.
Localization & Habitat
Chalice Corals can be found across the Indo-Pacific region, including regions like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their diverse habitats contribute to the wide range of species and color variations observed within this coral category.