🌟 WWC Stellaria Chalice
Echinophyllia sp. (Vibrant Orange Morph)
Quick Stats
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Colour Form: Rich, molten orange base with subtle iridescent undertones and contrasting corallite centres. Under actinic lighting, the surface glows with a fiery intensity, highlighting the natural ridges and valleys of its plating growth.
Water Conditions: 24–27 °C, dKH 8–11, pH 8.0–8.4, sg 1.024–1.026
Family: Pectiniidae
Lighting: Moderate to low
Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Trace Elements
Water Flow: Low to moderate, indirect
Placement: Lower reef zones, on rock ledges or substrate
🧬 Overview
The WWC Stellaria Chalice in its vibrant orange morph is a true showpiece for LPS enthusiasts. Its molten colouration evokes the look of sunlit lava flowing across the reef, with a textured plating growth form that adds both dimension and colour depth to the aquascape. This coral thrives when placed in stable conditions with indirect flow and balanced lighting, rewarding aquarists with slow but steady encrusting growth.
🍽️ Care & Feeding
While primarily photosynthetic, Chalice corals benefit greatly from target feeding 1–2 times per week. Offer finely minced meaty foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, or powdered coral diets like Reef Roids. Feeding after lights-out or during low flow will encourage better polyp extension and enhance colour saturation over time.
Care should be taken with spacing — their sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals during nocturnal expansion.
📈 Optimal Parameters
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Alkalinity (dKH): 8–11
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Calcium (Ca): 420–460 ppm
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Magnesium (Mg): 1250–1350 ppm
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Nitrate (NO₃): 2–10 ppm
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Phosphate (PO₄): 0.01–0.05 ppm
📍 Placement
Position in lower areas of the reef, either on stable rock ledges or on the sandbed, away from direct high flow. Blue-dominant lighting will intensify the orange glow, making it a standout focal point in both daylight and actinic spectrums.