What is Echinophyllia commonly called?

Echinophyllia is commonly known as Chalice Coral due to its plate-like or cup-shaped growth form.

What lighting is best for Chalice Coral?

Moderate lighting (80-200 PAR). It colors up beautifully under LEDs but can bleach if light is too intense.

Does Echinophyllia need to be fed?

Yes, regular target feeding 1-2 times per week with meaty foods like mysis shrimp greatly improves growth and vibrant coloration.

Where should I place Echinophyllia?

Best on mid to upper rockwork where it receives moderate flow and good lighting. Avoid placing it too low where detritus can accumulate.

Coral Care Info Echinophyllia

Echinophyllia Coral Care Guide

Care Requirements of Echinophyllia in Home Reef Aquariums

Echinophyllia coral care is moderately easy, making this popular LPS coral a favorite among reef hobbyists. Often called chalice corals, Echinophyllia are prized for their vibrant colors, glowing “eyes,” and unique plating growth patterns. With proper placement, stable water parameters, and moderate lighting, they can become one of the most eye-catching corals in any reef aquarium.

Care Requirements

Lighting (PAR Range)

Low to Moderate lighting
Ideal PAR: 75–150
Too much light can cause bleaching

Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow
Avoid strong direct flow

Placement

Best placed on lower rockwork or sand bed
Allow space for plating growth

Aggression

Semi-aggressive
Can extend sweeper tentacles at night
Keep distance from nearby corals

Growth Rate

Moderate growth
Forms plating/encrusting structures over time

Feeding

Echinophyllia corals benefit from supplemental feeding and are commonly kept in systems with other LPS corals.

Feed 1–2 times per week
Accepts mysis shrimp, pellets, and reef foods
Target feeding improves growth and coloration

Tank Compatibility

Echinophyllia corals are well-suited for mixed reef tanks with proper spacing.

Compatible with reef-safe fish and invertebrates
Keep away from aggressive neighbors
Works well in mixed reefs with soft corals

Common Problems

Bleaching from excessive light
Tissue damage from strong flow
Aggression from nearby corals
Slow growth due to lack of nutrients

Tips for Success

Keep lighting moderate and stable
Provide gentle, indirect flow
Feed regularly for best coloration
Maintain stable water chemistry
Allow room for outward growth

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Echinophyllia Beginner Friendly?
They are moderately easy and suitable for hobbyists with stable reef tanks.

What PAR Do Chalice Corals Need?
They do best in moderate lighting, typically 75–150 PAR.

Do Echinophyllia Need Feeding?
Yes, feeding helps improve growth and enhances coloration.

Are Chalice Corals Aggressive?
Yes, they can extend sweeper tentacles and should be given space.

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About the Author

Scott Shiles is the owner of ExtremeCorals.com, which he has operated for over 25 years and is recognized as one of the early dedicated live coral websites on the internet. A lifelong reef keeper since 1984, Scott has decades of hands-on experience maintaining marine aquariums and previously owned and operated a brick and mortar aquarium retail store for 10 years, including five years alongside Extreme Corals. He holds a degree in Marine Biology and has personally selected and sold hundreds of thousands of live corals. An avid scuba diver who has explored reef systems around the world, Scott shares practical coral care and husbandry knowledge based on real world reef experience.