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 selection of corals from genera like Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon, showcasing a mix of colors and patterns. These corals feature a distinctive appearance with a variety of shapes and formations, adding vibrancy and texture to reef aquariums.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice Corals require moderate lighting around 100 PAR for optimal coloration and health, though they can tolerate slightly more intense light. They are aggressive eaters, primarily feeding on products from their zooxanthellae. Propagation of Chalices involves cutting colonies into sections and allowing them to heal before fragmenting them for better survival rates. Maintaining a moderate water flow is crucial to prevent detritus buildup, although excessive flow can potentially dislodge the colonies due to their unique shapes.
Lighting
Moderate lighting of around 100 PAR is recommended for Chalice Corals, with more intense lighting being tolerable but not ideal. Extremely intense light over 400 PAR can negatively affect the corals, causing color fading in some species. The impressive fluorescence of Chalice Corals can be best appreciated under actinic LED lighting, emphasizing their vibrant hues and patterns.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is essential for Chalice Corals, as insufficient flow can lead to detritus accumulation which can harm the colonies. On the other hand, excessively strong flow may pose a risk of the chalices toppling over due to their sail-like shapes that catch the water current. Maintaining an appropriate water flow level helps ensure the well-being and stability of the corals in the aquarium.
Feeding
Chalice Corals are voracious eaters, relying heavily on their zooxanthellae for nutrition. While they do not exhibit pronounced polyp extension, time-lapse videos reveal their active consumption of various foods such as Mysis Shrimp, small critters, and pellets. Offering a diverse diet ranging from frozen to pellet foods can supplement their nutritional needs and promote their overall health and vibrancy.
Propagation
Chalice Corals have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them suitable candidates for aquaculture efforts. Effective propagation techniques involve cutting colonies into sizable portions, allowing them to recover before further fragmentation into smaller, frag-sized pieces. This method enhances the survival rates of propagated Chalices, contributing to the conservation and proliferation of these diverse coral species.
Localization & Habitat
Chalice Corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting various islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitats encompass diverse reef ecosystems, where they thrive in moderate lighting conditions and suitable water flow levels. Adapting to different environments within the Indo-Pacific, Chalice Corals exhibit resilience and adaptability to varying water parameters, showcasing their beauty and diversity across reef ecosystems.