Martian Fields Chalice (4)

Martian Fields Chalice Coral Care | The Happy Reef

Martian Fields Chalice is a striking encrusting LPS coral grown for its contrasting colours and textured appearance. "Chalice" is a hobby trade term rather than a single type of coral and covers several different genera, so an exact species should not be assumed from the morph name alone.

Chalices are generally straightforward once established and make excellent colour pieces for the lower areas of a reef. Growth typically spreads outwards across the rockwork, eventually producing a much larger encrusting colony.

Scientific Name: Chalice coral ? exact genus and species cannot reliably be determined from the trade name alone.

PAR: 75?150

Flow: Low to moderate. Enough movement to prevent debris settling without constantly pushing against the fleshy tissue.

Placement: Low Third

Feeding: Beneficial but not essential. Chalices obtain much of their energy through photosynthesis but will accept small meaty foods and suitable coral foods. Occasional target feeding when the feeding tentacles are extended can encourage growth.

Care Notes: Give this coral some breathing room. Chalices can extend sweeper tentacles after dark and may sting neighbouring corals considerably further away than their daytime appearance suggests. Maintain stable alkalinity, calcium and magnesium, and acclimate the coral gradually to significantly stronger lighting.