Chalice

Description:
Echinophyllia, commonly known as Chalice Coral, is a stunning large polyp stony (LPS) coral that features vibrant colors and intricate patterns, often with fluorescent highlights. Its growth forms can include encrusting, plating, or bowl-like shapes. Chalice Corals are highly prized for their dramatic coloration, including reds, blues, purples, greens, and oranges, making them a centerpiece coral in many reef tanks.

Recommended Parameters:

  • Lighting: Low to Moderate (PAR 50–150)

    • Prefers low to moderate lighting to maintain its vivid colors. Avoid direct intense lighting, which can cause bleaching.

  • Flow: Low to Moderate

    • Gentle to moderate water flow is ideal to prevent tissue damage and keep the coral free of debris.

  • Placement: Rockwork or Substrate

    • Place in a stable position on the sandbed or low rockwork. Provide space around it, as it can send out sweeper tentacles to defend itself.

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

  • Calcium: 400–450 ppm

  • Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG

Care Tips:

  • Supplement its diet occasionally with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or coral-specific foods to encourage growth and enhance coloration.
  • Chalice Corals are semi-aggressive and have long sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals, so leave plenty of space around them.
  • Maintain stable water parameters, as they are sensitive to fluctuations.

Chalice Corals are a great choice for reef hobbyists who want a visually striking and relatively hardy coral. With proper care, they will reward you with incredible growth patterns and stunning fluorescent hues under actinic lighting.

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