Echinophyllia Red Larva Chalice

Echinophyllia Red Larva ChaliceEchinophyllia Red Larva Chalice The Chalice Coral is an LPS coral from a family formally called Pectiniidae, but now they come under the name Echinophyllia. They look quite similar and have much the same care requirements as Plating and encrusting Montipora corals which is infact an SPS coral. As it establishes its self it will begin to grow away from the rockwork, creating lips or cup shapes, hence the name 'chalice' coral. The polyps on the Chalice

Echinophyllia Red Larva Chalice

The Chalice Coral is an LPS coral from a family formally called Pectiniidae, but now they come under the name Echinophyllia. They look quite similar and have much the same care requirements as Plating and encrusting Montipora corals which is infact an SPS coral.

As it establishes its self it will begin to grow away from the rockwork, creating lips or cup shapes, hence the name 'chalice' coral. The polyps on the Chalice Coral are sometimes described as 'eyes' because they can display a different colour from the rest of the coral

In terms of care requirements the Chalice Coral is relatively easy going, being an LPS coral in generally does best in moderate flow and moderate lighting. If you have a mixed reef with SPS in the top of the tank you'd probably be better off placing the Chalice halfway down the rockwork.

Chalice Corals can be aggressive to neighbouring corals that encroach into their space and whilst feeding. When feeding, this coral will often extend its tentacles which will sting nearby corals. There are mixed reports on whether or not Chalices will sting other Chalices.

The Chalice Coral is photosynthetic coral so will gain energy from the light, but as an LPS it will easily take  larger pieces of food such as Brine and Mysis Shrimp which does enhance colour and growth. And as an LPS It also fairs better in a tank with slight Nitrates and Phosphates.

Difficulty: Easy

Lighting: Low to Medium

Flow: Medium

Feeding: Relies on zooxanthellae and plankton.

Aggressiveness: semi-aggresive with medium sweepers

Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine,