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 various genera such as Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon, creating a diverse collection of corals with unique morphs and characteristics. The Hell's Eye Chalice, for example, features a purple-blue base with red eyes outlined in dark maroon, showcasing its distinctiveness within the group.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice corals, due to their varied composition, require generalized care. They rely on moderate lighting, around 100 PAR, for optimal coloration and health, with some tolerance for more intense lighting but a preference for avoiding extremely high levels over 400 PAR to prevent color fading. These corals exhibit impressive fluorescence, particularly under actinic LED lighting, and tend to thrive best in stable reef aquariums with consistent lighting conditions. They also benefit from moderate water flow to prevent detritus buildup and potential toppling from excessively strong currents due to their sail-like colony structure.
Lighting
Moderate lighting around 100 PAR is recommended for Chalice Corals, although they can tolerate more intense light to some extent. Avoiding extremely high light levels over 400 PAR is advisable to maintain their vibrant colors and overall health. Chalices display remarkable fluorescence, especially under actinic LEDs, with their appearance varying seasonally – looking best in winter with less intense light.
Water Flow
Chalices thrive in moderate water movement, which helps prevent detritus accumulation that can harm the colonies. Strong water flow should be avoided, as it may cause chalices to topple over due to their sail-like growth structure, being sensitive to excessive currents.
Feeding
Chalice corals heavily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but are surprisingly aggressive eaters, consuming various food types like Mysis shrimp, small critters, pellets, and other recommended foods in sizes ranging from 6 to 13mm. Despite not exhibiting pronounced polyp extension during feeding, time-lapse videos reveal their significant food intake, making them ideal candidates for homemade or commercial coral food supplements.
Propagation
Chalices have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them excellent candidates for aquaculture. The most effective propagation method involves cutting colonies into larger segments, allowing them to heal before further fragmenting them into smaller, manageable pieces. This approach enhances the survival rates of chalice corals during propagation efforts.
Localization & Habitat
Chalice Corals are predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting various islands like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat offers insights into their environmental preferences, aiding in recreating suitable conditions within home reef aquariums for optimal health and vibrancy.