Oxypora Chalice Coral

Care at a glance

Overview

It does best in a 100 liter or larger reef under lower to moderate light and gentle flow, often lower in the tank than most corals since strong light can bleach it. Keep parameters stable at temperature 24 to 27 C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, and reef range alkalinity. It photosynthesizes but grows faster with small meaty and planktonic foods. Give it space because it can put out sweeper tentacles to sting neighbors at night.

In the wild

A plating chalice coral whose surface is rougher and more jagged than the smooth Mycedium, carrying small sharp bumps and ridges between the pores. It grows in thin sheets that shelf outward and can cup at the edges. Colors include green, red, orange, and pink, frequently with contrasting rims and eyes. The pitted, spiky texture helps set it apart from other chalice genera.

Good to know

Oxypora lacera belongs to the family Merulinidae and is one of the corals hobbyists lump together as chalices. Its genus name refers to the sharp pores and ridges scattered over the plate. Like other chalices it was formerly grouped in the family Pectiniidae before that family was merged into Merulinidae.

Did you know

Oxypora often colors up best under softer light, so keepers chasing bright reds and oranges tend to place it lower in the tank rather than up top.

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