Coral Care Info Echinophyllia

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Echinophyllia is found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. It thrives in lagoonal reef slopes, reef crests, and deeper reef zones, where it settles on rocky or sandy substrates. In the wild, Chalice Corals grow in low to moderate light with gentle water movement, making them adaptable to home aquariums.

Why Choose Echinophyllia for Your Reef Tank?

• Dazzling Coloration – Features bright, iridescent hues under blue lighting.
• Unique Growth Patterns – Forms encrusting, plating, or cup-like structures.
• Moderate Care Level – Suitable for intermediate reef keepers.
• Reef-Safe but Aggressive – Requires spacing from other corals due to sweeper tentacles.

Optimal Water Parameters

Stable water parameters are crucial for Echinophyllia’s health and coloration:

Weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain stability and nutrient balance.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers mid to lower areas of the tank, away from aggressive corals.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on rockwork or a stable frag rack, allowing room for growth.

Lighting Requirements

Echinophyllia thrives under low to moderate lighting, enhancing its vibrant fluorescence.

• PAR Range: 80-150 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with blue-spectrum emphasis.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Moderate, indirect water flow keeps the coral clean and healthy.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause tissue recession.
• Randomized flow patterns help prevent detritus buildup and enhance nutrient absorption.

Feeding and Nutrition

Echinophyllia corals benefit from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, absorbing nutrients through their polyps.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and amino acids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and coloration.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding at night when polyps extend.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other LPS corals—Echinophyllia has aggressive sweeper tentacles.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish and corals that may sting or overshadow it.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, spreading as an encrusting or plating structure.
• Fragging Method: Use a band saw or coral cutter to create clean fragments for propagation.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Brown Jelly Disease – A bacterial infection requiring iodine dips and improved water quality.
• Tissue Recession – Often caused by unstable parameters or excessive flow.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually adjust the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as tissue damage can lead to infection.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Remove detritus buildup around the coral to prevent bacterial infections.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or receding tissue – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or aggression from nearby corals.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Overgrowth on unwanted areas – Frag and relocate colonies to prevent excessive spread.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; move to a lower-light area.
• Pest Infestation – Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.
• Slow Growth – Increase target feeding and ensure stable alkalinity and calcium levels.