Eyed Cup Hard Coral Mycedium Sp

Eyed Cup Hard Coral (Mycedium sp.)

(Also known as Cup Coral, Elephant Eye Coral, or Chalice Coral)

Overview

The Eyed Cup Coral (Mycedium sp.) is a striking and unique large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, admired for its cup- or plate-like growth form and distinctive, raised “eyes” — large, fleshy corallites that give it a textured, alien appearance. Colonies typically grow in thin, whorled plates with vibrant colour combinations such as green, red, orange, purple, and blue, often accented with contrasting fluorescent eyes. Closely related to Echinophyllia and Oxypora, Mycedium is hardy yet moderately aggressive, making it an excellent feature coral for experienced reef keepers looking to add colour and depth to their aquarium.

Origin

Native to the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Typically found on reef slopes and sheltered ledges, where it forms plating colonies that capture moderate light and flow.

Feeding

The Eyed Cup Coral is photosynthetic, hosting zooxanthellae that provide much of its nutritional needs. However, regular feeding enhances growth, colour intensity, and tissue expansion. Offer 1–2 feedings per week of:

• Mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood
• Marine snow or coral plankton blends
• Specialized LPS and chalice coral foods

Feed at night or when polyps extend — gentle target feeding promotes faster growth and more vivid pigmentation.

Lighting

Low to moderate lighting.Mycedium thrives under soft, indirect light from LED, T5, or metal halide systems.

• PAR range: 75–150 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s
• Excessive light can cause bleaching or tissue retraction.
• Blue-spectrum lighting enhances its fluorescence and “eyed” contrasts.

Water Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow. Provide gentle, alternating current that helps remove debris and deliver nutrients without damaging tissue. Avoid strong, direct jets, as Mycedium’s fleshy polyps and thin skeleton are easily torn.

Placement

• Best placed on lower rockwork or sandy substrate, where light is subdued and flow is indirect.
• Orient plates to allow natural growth curvature and avoid shading other corals.
• Allow 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of space from neighbouring corals — Mycedium extends short sweeper tentacles and can sting competitors.

Tank Mates

Reef safe with caution. Compatible with:

• Peaceful reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)
• Invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs
• Other LPS and soft corals placed at a safe distance

Avoid:

• Aggressive stinging corals (e.g., Galaxea, Euphyllia, Hydnophora) nearby
• Butterflyfish, large angelfish, or puffers that may nip its tissue

Aggression

Moderately aggressive.Mycedium can deploy short sweeper tentacles and chemical defences against nearby corals. Provide adequate spacing to prevent coral warfare.

Experience Level

Intermediate. This coral is hardy under stable conditions but sensitive to high light and strong flow. Suitable for aquarists with some LPS experience who maintain stable parameters and gentle flow environments.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Hardness (dKH): 8–12
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrate: <10 ppm
• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) recommended for stability and adequate spacing

Consistent alkalinity and calcium are vital for skeletal strength and plate development.

Reef Compatibility

Reef safe with caution. The Eyed Cup Coral is a dramatic and colourful addition to mixed or LPS reef aquariums. Its rippled plating form and glowing “eyes” provide stunning visual depth and contrast, especially under blue or actinic lighting. With proper spacing and stable conditions, Mycedium makes an outstanding showcase coral.