WYSIWYG Chalice Coral Large

Chalice corals (family **Euphylliidae**) are a popular and striking group of corals known for their unique appearance and ease of care in home aquariums. Here are some key facts about chalice corals:

 

1. **Appearance**: Chalice corals are typically large, solitary or colonial corals with a cup-shaped or flat structure. The corals have thick, fleshy tissues that can grow in distinct, rounded, or lobed shapes. Their surfaces are often smooth or ridged, and they come in a wide range of colors, including red, green, blue, yellow, and orange, with some species displaying striking patterns.

 

2. **Habitat**: Chalice corals are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, in shallow reefs at depths of 3 to 40 meters. They prefer areas with moderate water flow and light, making them suitable for various reef tank environments.

 

3. **Symbiosis with Zooxanthellae**: Like most reef-building corals, chalice corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae (microscopic algae). These algae live within the coral's tissues and provide it with nutrients through photosynthesis. In return, the corals offer the algae a safe environment and the necessary compounds for growth.

 

4. **Feeding**: While chalice corals rely on their zooxanthellae for most of their nutrition, they are also capable of capturing plankton, small fish, and organic matter using their fleshy polyps. This makes them omnivorous, and they can extend their polyps to feed when the opportunity arises, particularly in the evening or at night.

 

5. **Growth**: Chalice corals grow relatively slowly. They expand by secreting calcium carbonate skeletons, which increase the size of their base or "cup" as they mature. In colonial species, they can form large, interconnected structures over time.

 

6. **Care in Aquariums**: Chalice corals are considered relatively easy to care for in reef aquariums, especially when compared to other types of corals. They require moderate to low light, as excessive lighting can cause stress or bleaching. They also need stable water parameters, including consistent temperature, salinity, and calcium levels. Chalice corals thrive in moderate to low water flow, as high flow can damage their tissues.

 

7. **Toxicity**: Chalice corals generally don't produce highly toxic substances, but they can still irritate or cause allergic reactions if handled improperly. Some species have stinging cells that may cause discomfort, so it’s advisable to wear gloves when handling them.

 

8. **Reproduction**: Chalice corals can reproduce sexually through the release of sperm and eggs during spawning events, which occur at specific times of the year. Asexual reproduction can occur through the growth of new polyps from the edges of the colony.

 

9. **Varieties**: There are many species of chalice corals, each with different characteristics and coloration. Some popular species in the aquarium trade include *Euphyllia ancora*, *Euphyllia divisa*, and *Euphyllia paradivisa*. These corals are sought after for their vibrant colors and distinct patterns, such as bright green, pink, purple, or orange hues.

 

10. **Conservation**: Like many other coral species, chalice corals face threats from ocean acidification, pollution, and climate change, which can lead to coral bleaching and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the survival of these beautiful species in their natural habitats.

 

In summary, chalice corals are stunning, relatively easy-to-care-for corals that add vibrant color and unique shapes to reef aquariums. With proper care, they can thrive in a well-maintained tank, growing into beautiful, large colonies or individual polyps.