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Chalice Coral

Echinophyllia sp.Klunzinger, 1879Genus

Plate-shaped LPS coral. Eye-like patterns and fluorescent colors popular with collectors. Many high-value specimens.

Chalice Coral (Echinophyllia sp.)
© The original uploader was Albert Kok at Dutch Wikipedia . ( Original text: Albert Kok )Public domainSource

Fluorescence appearance

Chalice Coral under white light
Under white light
Chalice Coral under blue light (fluorescence)
Under blue light (fluorescence)※AI-rendered image

Coral fluorescent proteins are excited by blue/actinic light. Appearance differs greatly from under white light.

Names & Synonyms

  • CommonChalice Coral
  • Commonチャリスコーラル
  • SynonymOxyphyllia

Overview

Chalice corals (formerly family Pectiniidae, now reclassified within Lobophylliidae and related families) are large-polyped stony corals with chalice-shaped or encrusting growth forms. Native to reef slopes and walls of the Indo-Pacific, they display spectacular fluorescent greens, reds, purples, and oranges under reef LED lighting—driving a robust collector market with some color morphs commanding high prices. They prefer low to moderate lighting (100–200 PAR) and gentle indirect flow; strong direct light causes bleaching. Target feeding one to two times weekly enhances growth and intensifies coloration. Adequate spacing is needed to account for their sweeper tentacles.

Care Specifications

TypeLPS
Temperature24〜27℃
Specific gravity1.023〜1.025
Salinity33〜35 ppt
KH (carbonate hardness)8〜12 dKH
Calcium (Ca)400〜450 mg/L
Magnesium (Mg)1280〜1350 mg/L
LightingMedium
Water flowLow
PlacementMiddle

Care Points

  • LightingLow to moderate
  • FlowGentle indirect flow
  • PlacementLower to mid tank in partial shade
  • ColorsFluorescent colors shine under UV lighting
  • NotesSlow growing. Attacks corals it contacts

Regulatory & Conservation

CITES:
Appendix II
Notes:
イシサンゴ目(Echinophyllia, Lobophylliidae)。CITES 附属書II。

Sources

Named Lineages in this genus

Trade names and morphs (Named Lineages) within this genus. Open a lineage page from its name.

Related corals of the same type

Related care articles

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