Avatar Chalice

Avatar Chalice: The Icy Blue and Neon Green Plate

The Avatar Chalice is a highly sought-after collector strain of Chalice Coral, which belongs to the Large Polyp Stony (LPS) family, typically classified under the genus Echinophyllia or Mycedium. This specific strain is revered for its stunning, otherworldly coloration, often featuring an icy blue or deep purple base that contrasts intensely with neon green to fiery red mouths (corallites).

The Avatar Chalice grows in an encrusting and then thick, plating or cup-shaped morphology, which is characteristic of many chalice corals. Its vivid colors intensify significantly under high-actinic (blue) lighting, giving it a bright, bioluminescent look that makes it a spectacular centerpiece for the lower parts of a reef tank.

This coral is considered Moderate in care, making it an excellent choice for the dedicated intermediate hobbyist. While not as demanding as high-end Acropora, the Avatar Chalice still requires consistent parameters and protection from higher light levels.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic but is also a capable Carnivore. It relies on zooxanthellae for most of its energy but benefits greatly from direct feeding.
• Feeding: Supplemental target feeding is strongly recommended for health, growth, and vibrant color. The mouths (corallites) will often extend sweepers at night to capture food. Feed 2-3 times per week with meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, cyclops, or fine coral foods like Reef Roids and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe but is Semi-Aggressive to Aggressive. Chalice corals extend long, potent sweeper tentacles at night, especially when food is detected, to compete for space. It is crucial to give the Avatar Chalice at least 3-4 inches of clear space from other neighboring corals to prevent chemical stinging and tissue damage.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, but Aggressive/Territorial toward other corals. It should be positioned on lower rockwork or on the sand bed where it can encrust and plate outwards without shading or stinging other species.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with low to moderate nutrient levels (Nitrate 10-30 ppm, Phosphate 0.01-0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-9.5), Calcium (380-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1450 ppm). Demands Low to Moderate PAR lighting (75-150 PAR).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Echinophyllia sp. or Mycedium sp. (WWC/Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Avatar Chalice
• Other Common Names: WWC Avatar Chalice, Blue Base Green Eye Chalice
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: Can grow into large plates (10+ inches in diameter)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (Territorial, uses sweeper tentacles)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits greatly from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons (Established reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes, with proper spacing.
• Care Level: Moderate