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 variety of coral genera such as Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon, showcasing diverse appearances and behaviors. They are often grouped together due to their distinct differences within the coral community.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice Corals are moderately demanding in terms of care requirements, thriving best in an aquarium with moderate lighting levels of around 100 PAR. They can tolerate more intense lighting but may struggle under extremely bright conditions exceeding 400 PAR. These corals exhibit impressive fluorescence, especially visible under actinic LED lighting. Maintaining stable water parameters and providing moderate water flow is crucial for their overall health and color vibrancy.
Lighting
Moderate lighting of approximately 100 PAR is recommended for Chalice Corals to promote optimal coloration and growth. While they can withstand brighter lighting, excessive light intensity may lead to color fading, depending on the specific species of Chalice Coral. Actinic LED lighting enhances the fluorescence of these corals, showcasing their captivating beauty.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is essential for Chalice Corals, preventing detritus accumulation that can create dead spots on the colonies. Excessive water flow should be avoided as it may cause the colonies to topple over due to their sail-like structure that catches the water current.
Feeding
Chalice Corals heavily rely on the products of their zooxanthellae for nutrition but are surprisingly aggressive eaters. Although they do not exhibit pronounced polyp extension, time-lapse videos reveal their substantial food intake. These corals can be fed various foods ranging from frozen shrimp to pellet foods, contributing to their overall health and vitality.
Propagation
Chalice Corals have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them suitable candidates for aquaculture. Cutting colonies into large sections and allowing them to heal before fragmenting them into smaller pieces can enhance survival rates. Certain varieties of Chalice Corals propagate more effectively than others, highlighting the diversity within this coral group.
Localization & Habitat
Originating from the Indo-Pacific region, Chalice Corals can be found throughout islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Thriving in diverse marine environments, these corals add vibrancy and diversity to the underwater landscapes of the Indo-Pacific.