DRAGON FRUIT CHALICE

Chalice Coral (Echinophyllia spp.)

Lighting Requirements: Low to Moderate

Water Flow: Low to Medium

Care Level: Moderate

Placement: Lower to Middle Levels

Temperament: Mildly Aggressive

Chalice Corals are renowned for their stunning, wide range of colors and intricate, cup-shaped structure. These corals can display vibrant hues of green, purple, red, blue, and orange, often with iridescent patterns that glow under the right lighting. Their encrusting growth form creates a unique, layered appearance, making them a standout piece in any reef aquarium. Chalice Corals grow slowly but can develop into large, impressive colonies over time.

Chalice Corals prefer low to moderate lighting, making them a versatile option for different tank setups. They thrive in low to medium water flow, which helps keep their tissue healthy and their polyps extended. While they rely mainly on photosynthesis through their symbiotic zooxanthellae, feeding with small plankton or coral foods once or twice a week can enhance growth and coloration.

Chalice Corals can become aggressive if placed too close to other corals. Their long sweeper tentacles may sting neighboring species, so be sure to give them plenty of space to expand and grow without interference.