Very Berry Chalice

Datasheet

General Description

Chalice Corals encompass a diverse group of corals from various genera like Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon, displaying a mix of unique characteristics that set them apart within the coral community. The Very Berry Chalice, for instance, boasts a fuschia pink base with light purple splotches and vibrant golden/yellow and green eyes, making it a visually striking addition to any reef tank.

Demands and Hardiness

Chalice corals thrive in setups that offer moderate lighting conditions, ideally around 100 PAR, to ensure optimal coloration and overall health. While they can occasionally tolerate more intense lighting up to 400 PAR, extremely bright light should be avoided as it may cause colors to fade, depending on the species. These corals exhibit impressive fluorescence, best observed under actinic LEDs, with their appearance varying seasonally; they tend to display more muted colors in intense summer light but regain vibrancy in stable home reef aquariums.

Moderate water flow is essential for Chalice Corals, preventing detritus buildup that can lead to dead spots if the flow is too low. Conversely, excessively strong currents pose a risk of toppling the colonies, given their sail-like shape that catches the water current. They are resilient corals, capable of aggressive feeding behaviors despite having subtle polyp extension, consuming various foods such as Mysis Shrimp, small critters, and pellets in sizes ranging from 6 to 13mm. Propagation of Chalice Corals is viable through cutting colonies into large segments, allowing for healing before further division into frag-sized pieces, a process that enhances survival rates in aquaculture settings.

Lighting

Although specific lighting recommendations vary due to the diverse nature of Chalice Corals, moderate lighting around 100 PAR is generally recommended for optimal health and coloration. To fully appreciate their vivid fluorescence, actinic LEDs are suggested, while excessive light intensity over 400 PAR may negatively impact their appearance, potentially causing color fading.

Water Flow

Moderate water movement is crucial for Chalice Corals to prevent detritus accumulation and the formation of dead spots on their colonies. Strong currents should be avoided, as they may pose a risk of toppling the coral due to its sail-like structure that can catch excessive water flow.

Feeding

Chalice Corals heavily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but are surprisingly robust eaters, consuming various foods despite minimal polyp extension. They exhibit high feeding activity, with recorded consumption of significant food quantities in time-lapse videos. Offering a diverse diet ranging from frozen to pellet foods contributes to their overall health and vibrancy within a reef aquarium setting.

Propagation

Chalice Corals have been successfully propagated in captivity and are considered excellent candidates for aquaculture. Propagation methods typically involve cutting colonies into sizable sections, allowing for healing before further division into frag-sized pieces, enhancing survival rates and promoting growth in controlled environments.

Localization & Habitat

Chalice Corals are indigenous to the Indo-Pacific region, primarily found across various islands such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat in these regions provides valuable insights into their preferred environmental conditions and behavioral patterns within the wild ecosystem.