Darth Vader Chalice

About this coral

The Darth Vader Chalice is a named chalice coral, a hard, plating LPS coral. Chalice coral is a broad common name that covers several plating and encrusting genera, including Echinophyllia, Echinopora and Oxypora, so no exact species is given here. Chalice corals are prized for their eye-like corallites and coloration, and the patterns can vary widely from one colony to the next. The care notes below are general guidance for chalice corals, not documentation specific to this morph. They are a good fit for reef keepers who can keep water parameters stable and want a plating coral to grow over rockwork in the lower to middle part of the tank.

Features:

• Hard, plating or encrusting LPS coral that spreads across flat rock or a frag plug
• Contrasting eye-like corallites, a main reason hobbyists keep chalice corals
• Gets energy from symbiotic algae under low to moderate lighting
• Accepts small meaty foods at night, and feeding a few times a week can support faster growth
• Aggressive: sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals, so leave several inches of space around it
• Best placed on open rock in the low to middle zone, starting in shade and moving into brighter light gradually

Specifications:

• Care level: Moderate (general chalice guidance)
• Temperament: Aggressive; uses sweeper tentacles
• Lighting: Low to moderate, about 75–150 PAR
• Water flow: Gentle to moderate, indirect
• Placement: Low to middle of the tank
• Diet: Photosynthetic; supplemental small meaty foods
• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 8.2–8.4
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: About 1300 ppm