Coral species · Chalice Coral

Oxypora spp.

Thin, plating colonies with vivid colour and texture: an eye-catching chalice-style LPS.

Overview

Oxypora grows as thin, plating or encrusting colonies with small polyps spread across a textured surface. It is often grouped with the chalice corals in the trade because of its similar plating form and bright colour.

Appearance and colour

The surface is marked by fine ridges and small, widely spaced polyps. Colours include greens, oranges, reds and purples, frequently with contrasting polyp centres that fluoresce under blue lighting.

Care in the aquarium

Moderate light and moderate flow suit Oxypora well. Place it mid-level where the plates can grow outward without shading other corals, and avoid strong, direct flow across the thin edges. Occasional feeding with small meaty foods can support growth. Give it a little space, as it can sting nearby corals.

At a glance

Chalice Coral

Type LPS (large polyp stony)
Also known as Chalice coral, Oxypora
Lighting Moderate
Water flow Moderate
Placement Middle of the reef, room to plate
Feeding Small meaty foods (optional)
Care level Moderate
Temperament Mildly aggressive

Every coral is unique. Photos are representative of the species; each colony varies in shape, size and colour.

Responsibly sourced

How we source Oxypora spp.

Our corals are collected on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, from the northern areas of the Reef down to Bundaberg, our home. Our diving collection vessels are equipped for long-distance travel, so we can find the best corals and keep them in pristine condition on the way to our holding facility.

Jeremy leads our harvesting team, which is extensively trained in safe, sustainable collecting techniques. We work to a strictly limited quota across broad reef areas within specific zones, taking small numbers of corals of limited size and premium quality and leaving the majority of the coral intact.

At our Bundaberg holding facility, Travis and the team fine-tune feeding, lighting and husbandry so every coral is in top condition before it is carefully packed and shipped. Our growing aquaculture program supports our vision of offering a 100% aquacultured source of premium corals.

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Limited, selective harvest

A strictly limited quota, taken from broad reef areas in specific zones. Small numbers, limited sizes and premium quality.

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Stewardship and certification

We participate in Provision Reef, an industry stewardship program, and maintain CITES certification for responsible sourcing.

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Towards 100% aquacultured

Our growing aquaculture program in Bundaberg supports our vision of a fully aquacultured source of premium corals.

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