Chalice Coral Care Guide
Echinophyllia, traded as chalice coral, is an Indo-Pacific large-polyp stony coral forming foliaceous, plate-like colonies prized for their colours and patterns.
Overview
Echinophyllia is a genus of colonial large-polyp stony (LPS) corals traded as chalice coral. Colonies are generally foliaceous, usually with very thin leaves, and carry large polyps. In the aquarium hobby the contrasting corallites are often described as vivid eyes, and colour-rich morphs are highly collectible.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lobophylliidae
- Genus: Echinophyllia
- Scientific name: Echinophyllia sp.
- Former synonym: Oxyphyllia
Habitat
The genus is native to the Indo-Pacific. Echinophyllia contains a number of recognised species and grows as encrusting to plate-like colonies on reef substrate.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Lighting: low to moderate
- Water flow: moderate
Diet
As a large-polyp stony coral it combines photosynthesis from symbiotic zooxanthellae with capture of particulate food. In aquaria it accepts target feeding with small meaty foods.
Reef compatibility
Chalice corals extend sweeper tentacles at night, so spacing from neighbouring corals is required. Growth is slow, and the genus is a popular target for collectors of colourful morphs.