Oxypora chalice coral
Oxypora lacera
Also known as Chalice Coral, Jagged Chalice, Oxypora, Plate Chalice Coral
SaltwaterCoral
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–81°F
- 24–27°C
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 9.8 in
- 25 cm
- Minimum tank
- 26 gal
- 100 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Common
- Reef safe
- Reef safe
- Family
- Merulinidae
- Origin
- Found on Indo-Pacific reef slopes and walls, often in slightly shaded lower light zones.
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.
Common questions
What size tank does an Oxypora chalice coral need?
An Oxypora chalice coral needs at least 26 gal (100 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does an Oxypora chalice coral need?
An Oxypora chalice coral is comfortable at 75–81°F (24–27°C) with a pH of 8.1–8.4.
How big does an Oxypora chalice coral get?
An adult Oxypora chalice coral reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm).
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