Orange Aussie Chalice Coral Frag

Orange Aussie Chalice Frag (Echinophyllia sp. – “Orange Aussie” variant)

Available for Local Pickup in store

 

Description
The Orange Aussie Chalice Frag is a stunning large polyp stony (LPS) coral originating from Australian reefs, highly prized for its intense coloration and unique growth patterns. Known for its vibrant orange to reddish base coloration with contrasting highlights—often with neon green or yellow “eyes” (oral discs) and streaks—this coral is a true showpiece in reef aquariums. Under actinic and blue spectrum lighting, its vivid colors fluoresce dramatically, making it a centerpiece coral for collectors.

Chalices, including this Aussie variety, are encrusting corals that spread across rockwork and sometimes form plating structures. While they are moderately hardy, they demand stability in water quality, careful placement, and protection from aggression due to their long, stinging sweeper tentacles.

 

 Size & Growth

• Typically sold as frags 1–2" in size.

• Colonies can grow 12"+ across with time.

• Growth form: Encrusting to plating over substrate and rock.

• Growth rate: Slow to moderate, depending on stability and feeding.

 

Temperament

• Semi-aggressive – extends sweeper tentacles, especially at night, that can reach 2–4".

• Requires 3–4" clearance from nearby corals to avoid stings.

 

Reef Compatibility

• Reef Safe ✅ – safe with fish and invertebrates, but requires careful coral placement.

• Excellent choice for mixed reefs if given space.

 

 Lighting & Placement

• Low to moderate lighting (PAR 75–150).

• Best coloration and fluorescence under blue/actinic spectrum lighting.

• Placement: Bottom to mid-level of the tank, on rock ledges or substrate.

• Must be acclimated to lighting slowly to prevent bleaching.

 

Water Flow

• Prefers low to moderate flow, indirect.

• Too much flow can inhibit polyp extension or damage delicate tissue.

 

Nutrition

• Photosynthetic, relying on symbiotic zooxanthellae.

• Strongly benefits from supplemental feeding 1–2x per week.

• Accepts:

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Brine shrimp

  • Reef roids

  • Finely chopped meaty foods

  • Other micronized coral foods

Feeding enhances growth rate, polyp expansion, and coloration intensity.

 

Behavior & Growth Patterns

• Encrusting/plating growth, spreading across substrate and rock.

• Colors intensify under higher nutrient levels (while still balanced).

• Aggressive sweeper tentacles protect its territory.

• Polyps fluoresce brightly, especially under blue light, creating a striking visual effect.

 

Care Level

• Moderate – requires stable parameters and careful placement.

• Best suited for aquarists with some coral experience, though hardy enough for advanced beginners willing to manage space and feeding.

 

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 sg

• Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH

• Calcium: 420–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

• Nitrate: 2–15 ppm (avoid 0 to prevent color loss)

• Phosphate: 0.03–0.1 ppm

 

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for frags, larger tanks preferred for colonies.

• Ideal for LPS-dominant or mixed reefs.

• Needs ample open space for growth and aggression management.

 

Key Benefits of Orange Aussie Chalice Coral

• Vivid orange coloration with glowing green/yellow eyes.

• Fluoresces brilliantly under actinic lighting.

• Collectible, eye-catching centerpiece coral.

• Adds encrusting/plating structure and texture to reef aquascapes.

 

Summary:
The Orange Aussie Chalice Frag is a dazzling, semi-aggressive LPS coral known for its fiery orange body and glowing highlights. Hardy yet demanding of stable conditions, this coral thrives in low to moderate light and gentle water flow, with supplemental feeding enhancing its growth and color vibrancy. Ideal for reef keepers looking for a striking centerpiece coral, it commands attention while requiring space and careful placement due to its territorial nature.