Echinophyllia sp. – Chalice Coral

Echinophyllia belongs to the so-called chalice corals. The term chalice is used by aquarists to describe plate-like growing LPS corals, which occur in several different genera such as Echinophyllia, Mycedium, and Oxypora. These corals form flat or undulating growths with clearly distinguishable polyps on their surface.

Echinophyllia corals are known for their striking color patterns and strong fluorescence under blue aquarium lighting. Color morphs vary widely and can include, for example, green, red, orange, purple, turquoise, and brown, as well as multicolored combinations. The polyps, or "eyes," often form contrasting spots on the coral's surface.

In a reef aquarium, Echinophyllia generally thrives in the lower to middle sections of the tank, where lighting is low to moderate and flow is gentle. Under good conditions, the coral grows slowly by spreading over the rock surface and eventually forms a larger coral colony.

Characteristics

plate-like growing chalice-type LPS coral

clearly distinguishable polyps ("eyes") on the coral's surface

strong colors and fluorescence under blue lighting

grows as a flat or slightly undulating plate

several different color morphs

Care Requirements

Characteristic Recommendation

Difficulty easy – moderate

Lighting low – moderate

Flow low – moderate

Placement in aquarium lower – middle

Growth rate slow

Good to know

Echinophyllia can extend sweeper tentacles, especially at night. These tentacles allow the coral to defend its surrounding space, so it's advisable to leave some growing room around it.

Suitability

well-suited for reef aquariums

generally compatible with fish and invertebrates

also suitable for less illuminated areas in mixed reef aquariums