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 array of corals from various genera such as Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon, creating a visually captivating and eclectic mix within the aquarium. The Raja Rampage Chalice, for instance, boasts a lime green base with striking yellow eyes encircled by deep purple hues, making it a standout addition to any reef tank.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice corals require moderate lighting, ideally around 100 PAR, for optimal coloration and health, though they can tolerate slightly higher intensities up to 400 PAR. Failure to provide suitable lighting may lead to color fading depending on the coral species. These corals exhibit impressive fluorescence, especially under actinic LED lighting, with peak vibrancy typically observed in winter months compared to the subdued hues under intense summer lighting. They thrive best in stable reef aquarium environments.
Lighting
Moderate lighting of around 100 PAR is recommended for Chalice Corals, although they can sometimes tolerate higher light intensities up to 400 PAR. Optimal coloration and fluorescence can be achieved under actinic LED lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of these corals. Monitoring and adjusting lighting levels based on coral response is essential to maintain their health and vibrancy.
Water Flow
Chalice Corals prefer moderate water movement to prevent detritus buildup on their colonies, which can create dead spots if flow is too low. Excessive water flow, on the other hand, poses a risk of toppling the coral due to its sail-like structure that catches strong currents. Maintaining the right balance of water flow is crucial for the well-being of these corals in the aquarium.
Feeding
Chalice corals heavily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but also exhibit surprisingly aggressive feeding behavior. While they do not display pronounced polyp extension, time-lapse videos reveal their voracious appetite for various foods, including Mysis shrimp, small critters, and pellets in the 6 to 13mm range. Regular feeding with a variety of food types contributes to their overall health and vitality in the aquarium environment.
Propagation
Chalice corals have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them a viable candidate for aquaculture efforts. Propagation methods often involve cutting colonies into large sections and allowing them to heal before further fragmenting them into smaller, frag-sized pieces. This approach promotes higher survival rates and enables aquarists to expand their colonies while contributing to coral conservation efforts.
Localization & Habitat
Chalice Corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting various islands including Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their presence in these diverse ecosystems underscores their adaptability to different environmental conditions and highlights their significance as a prominent reef-building organism in the marine ecosystem.