Mycedium

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Introduction

Mycedium is an exciting plating coral related to Oxypora and Pectinia. Mycedium is characterized usually by forming plates or chalice shaped colonies with outward radiating coralites. Mycedium has recently become popular because it forms such interesting shapes, has raised coralites that give it much texture and it often has very bright colors.

Common Names

Chalice Coral, Mycedium

Scientific Names

Mycedium

Hardiness

Mycedium is average in terms of difficulty.

Flow

Mycedium benefits from variable medium water flow.

Lighting

Chalice corals typically do well with medium lighting.

Placement

Mycedium spp. usually form either plates or cups and they should be placed so that their plates are horizantle and so that the polyps face out and are perpendicular to sides of the aquarium.

Feeding

Mycedium do not feed much, at least during the day. When food is offered it should be when the tentacles are out at night. Cyclops or Mysis should serve as adequate food although neither are necessary.

Propagation

Mycedium can be easily propogated by fragging the colony. Provide strong water flow to the mother and daughter colonies and if an infection on either piece is evident both should be dipped in an iodine solution or other coral dip.

Aggression

Mycedium is not too aggressive. Feeder and deffensive tentacles come out at night and this is when the aquarist needs to be aware of aggression. Mycedium do not have long tentacles and so aggression on the part of the Mycedium can only happen to any coral less than an inch away.

Availability

Mycedium is relatively uncommon in the aquarium trade.

Other Issues

Common diseases, predators, or other notes on the coral

   Originally contributed by Barry Katz of Kahuna Corals

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