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 such as Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon, offering a stunning array of colors and patterns. These corals showcase a unique mix of purple-blue bases with vibrant pink, yellow, and orange eyes, often accented by neon green or bright yellow streaking along the rims.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice corals are a complex group with varied care requirements due to the mix of different genera represented. They are generally adaptable but thrive in moderate conditions. Proper lighting, water flow, and feeding routines are essential for their health and vibrancy. Maintaining stable water parameters within the range of kh 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity of 1.023-1.026, and temperatures between 22.2-25.6°C is crucial.
Lighting
Moderate lighting around 100 PAR is recommended for Chalice Corals to achieve optimal coloration and overall health. While they can tolerate more intense lighting, exposure to over 400 PAR may lead to color fading, depending on the species. Chalice corals exhibit extraordinary fluorescence, especially under actinic LED lighting, showcasing their beauty in reef aquariums.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is advised for Chalice Corals to prevent detritus build-up, which can create dead spots on the colonies. Excessive flow should be avoided as the shape of the coral colony can make it prone to tipping over when acting as a sail in strong currents.
Feeding
Chalice corals heavily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but are surprisingly aggressive feeders. They accept various foods like Mysis Shrimp, small critters, and pellets ranging from 6 to 13mm. Despite minimal polyp extension, time-lapse videos have shown that these corals consume substantial amounts of food, contributing to their health and growth.
Propagation
Chalice Corals have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them excellent candidates for aquaculture. Propagation methods involve cutting colonies into large sections, allowing them to heal, and then further fragmenting them into smaller, manageable pieces to enhance survival rates.
Localization & Habitat
Naturally found across the Indo-Pacific region, Chalices inhabit diverse locations such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitats feature a mix of lighting conditions, water flow intensities, and nutrient availability, which can provide insights into replicating ideal settings within home reef aquariums.