Chalice - Alien eye

This interesting coral most often takes on a plating shape, able to encrust onto and extend outward from the rockwork. Occasionally it may develop whirls, branches or crinkled shapes. Ultra Australian specimens are always vividly colored and are more rare and impressive than those from other locations.

Echinophyllia corals are best known for their flashy, saturated colors, which may be nearly any color of the rainbow; many colonies show contrasting colors. It is similar to Mycedium and Oxypora, but tends to puff up its tissue more than its relatives, especially around the edges of the colony where it may extend up to an inch from the skeleton. Its large, raised corallites often point in many different angles. It is one of the hardiest and most adaptable of the Chalice corals.

Faviidae, or Closed Brain corals, are quite hardy and adaptable, making them a great first introduction to stony corals. This coral receives most of its energy by utilizing the photosynthetic algae contained within its tissues. It can also be offered small meaty items such as mysis and enriched brine shrimp, oyster eggs, and pellets. Its transparent feeding tentacles extend mainly at night, although it can learn to feed during daylight hours. It is tolerant of less-than-perfect water quality and not prone to pests.

Space should be provided between corals to allow for growth and expansion, as its long sweeper tentacles have a strong sting.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Growth Speed: Medium
• Lighting: Medium - High
• Average Placement: Middle - High
• Water Flow: Medium - High
• Temperament: Aggressive