Red Orange Splatter Chalice Frag

Red Orange Splatter Chalice Frag

 

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Common Names

• Red Orange Splatter Chalice
• Splatter Chalice Coral
• Designer Chalice Coral

 

Identification

The Red Orange Splatter Chalice is a stunning large-polyp stony (LPS) coral prized for its vibrant coloration and unique splattered pattern. This eye-catching chalice typically displays a deep red to maroon base color accented by bright orange, yellow, or fiery red splashes scattered across its surface. Many specimens also develop contrasting fluorescent eyes that glow brilliantly under blue and actinic lighting.

Frags are grown on frag plugs or small pieces of reef-safe rock and may vary slightly in coloration and patterning, making each piece unique. As the coral matures, the splatter effect often becomes more pronounced, creating an impressive display in reef aquariums.

Behavior & Role in a Reef Tank

The Red Orange Splatter Chalice is a peaceful but semi-aggressive LPS coral that forms an encrusting to plating growth pattern. It serves as an excellent showpiece coral due to its intense coloration and fluorescence.

Like many chalice corals, it extends feeder tentacles primarily at night and can gradually spread over surrounding rockwork. Its unique color combination makes it an ideal addition to mixed reefs and dedicated chalice collections.

 

Compatibility & Caution

While generally peaceful during the day, chalice corals can extend sweeper tentacles at night capable of stinging nearby corals.

 

Caution:

• Allow at least 3–6 inches of space from neighboring corals.
• Avoid placing near delicate SPS or other LPS corals susceptible to stings.
• Sudden increases in lighting intensity may cause bleaching or color loss.
• Handle carefully to avoid damaging the thin tissue around the coral's edges.

 

Care Level

Moderate

 

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm
• Nitrate: 2–20 ppm
• Phosphate: 0.03–0.10 ppm

 

Lighting:
Low to Moderate lighting is recommended. Excessive light can wash out colors, while moderate lighting often produces the best coloration and growth.

 

Flow:
Low to Moderate indirect flow is ideal. Strong direct flow may cause tissue recession or prevent full expansion.

 

Diet:
Photosynthetic but benefits from supplemental feeding.

 

Supplemental Feeding:

• Reef Roids
• Mysis shrimp
• Copepods
• Zooplankton-based coral foods
• Finely chopped seafood

Occasional target feeding after lights out can promote faster growth and improved coloration.

 

Tank Mates

Suitable companions include:

• Clownfish
• Gobies
• Blennies
• Wrasses
• Tangs
• Cleaner Shrimp
• Snails and other reef-safe invertebrates
• Most LPS and SPS corals when proper spacing is maintained

Avoid placing near aggressive corals with long sweeper tentacles or corals that may overgrow the chalice.

 

Fun Fact

Many chalice corals develop even more intense coloration as they mature. The Red Orange Splatter Chalice is especially prized because no two colonies display the exact same splatter pattern, making each frag a unique addition to a reef aquarium. Its fluorescence under blue lighting often makes it one of the most visually striking corals in the tank.