Raja Rampage Chalice Frag

Raja Rampage Chalice Frag

Common Name:

Raja Rampage Chalice

Scientific Name:

Echinophyllia sp.

Origin:

Indo-Pacific reef environments, typically found on shaded reef slopes and lower reef zones

Growth Form:

Plating to encrusting
Develops a thin, spreading skeleton with distinct raised “eyes” (corallites)

Coloration:

Vivid neon reds, oranges, yellows, and greens with intense contrast and glowing eyes under blue lighting
Color expression improves with stable conditions and proper lighting

Tank Requirements

Tank Size:

Minimum 30 gallons recommended
Stable water parameters are essential for long-term success

Placement:

Lower rockwork or directly on the substrate
Avoid placing on sharp or unstable surfaces that may damage tissue

Lighting:

Low to moderate lighting (PAR 80–150)
Excessive light can cause bleaching, while too little light may dull coloration

Water Flow:

Low to moderate, indirect flow
Flow should gently move the tissue without causing retraction or damage

Feeding & Nutrition

Diet:

Photosynthetic via zooxanthellae
Strongly benefits from supplemental feeding

Feeding Recommendations:

Target feed 1–2 times per week with:

• Benepets Coral Food

• Reef Roids

• Finely chopped mysis or similar meaty foods

Feeding encourages faster growth, brighter coloration, and healthier tissue

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

• Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH (avoid rapid swings)

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

Consistency is critical, as chalice corals are sensitive to parameter instability

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:

Semi-aggressive
Extends long sweeper tentacles, especially at night, capable of stinging nearby corals

Compatibility:

Best kept with ample spacing from other corals
Not recommended to place near delicate SPS or slow-growing LPS

Care Level:

Moderate
Best suited for reef keepers with some experience maintaining stable reef conditions

Growth & Propagation

Raja Rampage Chalice grows steadily under proper care and can be fragged once established. Growth is typically slower than many SPS corals but rewarding due to its intense coloration.

Common Challenges

• Tissue recession: Often caused by excessive light or unstable alkalinity

• Color fading: Usually linked to insufficient feeding or nutrient imbalance

Fun Fact:

Each glowing “eye” on a chalice coral is an individual mouth, allowing the coral to feed and grow from multiple points at once!