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Oxypora chalice coral

Oxypora lacera

Also known as Chalice Coral, Jagged Chalice, Oxypora, Plate Chalice Coral

SaltwaterCoral

Oxypora chalice coral (Oxypora lacera)
Paul Muir · CC BY 4.0

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

The Oxypora chalice coral is a rough-textured plating coral for the lower, shadier part of a reef tank. It is best kept once you have a little reef experience.

Did you know

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

Caring for the Oxypora chalice coral

Give the Oxypora chalice coral lower to moderate light and gentle flow. Place it lower in the tank than most corals, since strong light can bleach it. It does best in a reef of at least 26 gal (100 L).

Keep parameters stable, with the water at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C), a pH of 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.

Good to know

Oxypora lacera belongs to the family Merulinidae and is one of the corals hobbyists lump together as chalices. Like other chalices, it was formerly grouped in the family Pectiniidae before that family was merged into Merulinidae. Its genus name refers to the sharp pores and ridges scattered over the plate. The surface is rougher and more jagged than the smooth Mycedium, with small sharp bumps and ridges between the pores. Colors include green, red, orange and pink, frequently with contrasting rims and eyes. That pitted, spiky texture helps set it apart from other chalice genera.

In the wild

The Oxypora chalice coral lives on Indo-Pacific reef slopes and walls, often in slightly shaded, lower light zones. It grows in thin sheets that shelf outward and can cup at the edges.

Common questions

What size tank does an Oxypora chalice coral need?

An Oxypora chalice coral needs at least 26 gal (100 L).

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.

What does an Oxypora chalice coral eat?

An Oxypora chalice coral photosynthesizes, but it grows faster with small meaty and planktonic foods.

How big does an Oxypora chalice coral get?

An adult Oxypora chalice coral reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm).

Related species