Watermelon Chalice Coral Frag

Watermelon Chalice Coral Frag (Echinophyllia sp. – “Watermelon” variety)

Available for Local Pickup in store

 

Description
The Watermelon Chalice Coral is a stunning large polyp stony (LPS) coral that stands out for its striking coloration and eye-catching growth form. Typically, this coral displays a vivid green base, bright red to pink oral discs (“eyes”), and a contrasting rim of lighter green, yellow, or even bluish hues—hence the name “Watermelon.” Its encrusting and plating growth habit makes it an attractive choice for aquarists who want a colorful, low-growing coral that can cover rock surfaces over time.

Chalice corals are prized for their dazzling color morphs, and the Watermelon variety is among the most popular due to its bold, high-contrast palette. While it is hardy compared to some LPS, it requires stable conditions, careful placement, and respect for its sweeper tentacles to thrive.

 

Size & Growth

• Sold commonly as frags (1–2"), which will slowly encrust over rockwork.

• Colonies can reach 12"+ across given time and stable conditions.

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

 

 Temperament

• Semi-aggressive – Chalice corals extend long sweeper tentacles at night and can sting or damage nearby corals.

• Requires adequate spacing (at least 3–4 inches) from neighbors.

 

Reef Compatibility

• Reef Safe ✅

• Excellent for mixed reefs but must be placed carefully due to aggression potential.

• Adds dramatic color contrast in LPS displays.

 

 Lighting & Placement

• Requires low to moderate lighting (PAR 75–150).

• Too much light can cause bleaching or loss of vibrant coloration.

• Place on the bottom or lower-middle of the tank; acclimate slowly to higher light if needed.

 

Water Flow

• Prefers low to moderate, indirect flow.

• Too much direct flow can damage tissue; too little may allow detritus buildup.

 

Nutrition

• Photosynthetic, but benefits greatly from target feeding.

• Feed 1–2 times per week with:

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Brine shrimp

  • Reef roids, powdered coral foods

  • Finely chopped seafood

• Nighttime feeding often yields the best polyp extension.

 

Behavior & Growth Patterns

• Encrusting, plating growth habit that will spread across rockwork.

• Bright coloration intensifies under stable water and balanced nutrients.

• “Eyes” (oral discs) create a textured, multi-dimensional appearance.

 

Care Level

• Moderate – requires stable LPS conditions, careful placement, and regular monitoring.

• Hardy once acclimated, but sensitive to rapid swings in water chemistry.

 

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 ultra-low nutrients)

• Phosphate: 0.03–0.1 ppm

 

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons.

• Place frags on rock ledges or substrate with space around them.

• Protect from stings by avoiding proximity to other LPS or soft corals.

 

Key Benefits of Watermelon Chalice Coral

• Unique and brilliant “watermelon” coloration with red eyes, green base, and contrasting rim.

• Compact, encrusting growth makes it suitable for filling rock faces.

• Can be target-fed for faster growth and more vibrant coloration.

• Popular centerpiece coral in LPS and mixed reefs.

 

 Summary:
The Watermelon Chalice Coral Frag is one of the most striking LPS corals in the hobby, beloved for its neon green base, red eyes, and glowing rim. Its encrusting growth and bold colors make it a showpiece in any reef aquarium. With low-to-moderate light, stable parameters, careful spacing, and occasional feeding, this coral thrives and develops into a stunning, high-contrast colony that truly lives up to its “Watermelon” name.