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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 group of corals belonging to different genera such as Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon. These corals present a varied appearance and are often clustered together, offering a unique and vibrant addition to reef aquariums.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice corals require moderate lighting, with an optimal range of around 100 PAR for vibrant coloration and overall health. While they can tolerate more intense lighting to some extent, extremely high PAR levels exceeding 400 may negatively impact their well-being and coloration. Adequate lighting is crucial to maintain the striking fluorescence that chalice corals are known for, which is best appreciated under actinic LED lighting. These corals typically thrive in stable home reef aquariums, with fluctuations in light intensity affecting their coloration.
Lighting
Moderate lighting, around 100 PAR, is recommended for chalice corals to ensure optimal coloration and health. While they can tolerate higher light levels, extremely intense lighting exceeding 400 PAR may be detrimental. Chalice corals exhibit impressive fluorescence, especially under actinic LED lighting, enhancing their visual appeal in reef tanks.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is ideal for chalice corals, striking a balance between stagnant conditions that can lead to detritus accumulation and overly strong currents that may topple the colonies. Insufficient water flow can result in dead spots where debris settles, potentially harming the corals, while excessive flow can destabilize chalice colonies due to their sail-like structure.
Feeding
Chalice corals heavily rely on the products of their zooxanthellae but are surprisingly voracious eaters, consuming various food types such as Mysis Shrimp, small critters, and pellets ranging from 6 to 13mm. Despite not displaying pronounced polyp extension, time-lapse observations reveal their substantial food intake. Offering a diverse diet, including frozen and pellet foods, supports the nutritional needs of chalice corals and contributes to their overall well-being.
Propagation
Chalice corals are extensively propagated in captivity and are considered excellent candidates for aquaculture. Propagation methods often involve cutting colonies into large sections, allowing them to heal before further fragmentation into frag-sized pieces. Different chalice varieties exhibit varying propagation success rates, with careful handling and appropriate healing periods enhancing survival rates during propagation efforts.
Localization & Habitat
Chalice corals can be found across the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting diverse locations such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat consists of these island environments within the Indo-Pacific, where they contribute to the intricate reef ecosystems with their unique colors and structures.