Big R Weirdo Chalice

Big R Weirdo Chalice: The Polychromatic Masterpiece

The Big R Weirdo Chalice is an exceptionally rare and highly valued collector strain of Chalice Coral, typically belonging to the Large Polyp Stony (LPS) family (Echinophyllia or Mycedium). This strain is renowned for its intense polychromatic coloration—a mesmerizing mix that usually includes a deep purple, blue, or red base with multiple contrasting neon yellow, green, and orange corallites (mouths) and streaks. The "Weirdo" name refers to its unpredictable and highly unusual pattern of colors.

The Big R Weirdo Chalice grows in an encrusting and then thick, plating or cup-shaped morphology. Maintaining its intricate, multi-layered color pattern requires precise attention to stable, high-quality water chemistry and placing it under moderate light intensity where its colors can fluoresce without bleaching.

This coral is considered Moderate to Advanced in care. While hardy once established, its value and reliance on perfect conditions to maintain color saturation make it a demanding, high-end showpiece for the dedicated hobbyist.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic but is also a vigorous Carnivore. It relies on zooxanthellae for most of its energy but greatly benefits from direct feeding to support its dense tissue and growth.
• Feeding: Supplemental target feeding is strongly recommended for optimal health, growth, and maximum color display. The mouths (corallites) actively feed, extending sweepers at night to capture prey. 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 hunting or defending territory. It is essential to give the Big R Weirdo Chalice at least 3-4 inches of clear space from all 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. Placement under moderate light (lower section of the tank) is typically best for color retention.
• 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. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Big R Weirdo Chalice
• Other Common Names: Weirdo Chalice, Polychromatic 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 to Advanced