Raja Rampage Chalice: The Blazing Red and Green Plate

The Raja Rampage Chalice is a highly sought-after collector strain of Chalice Coral, typically classified within the genus Echinophyllia or Mycedium (LPS). This specific strain is revered for its incredible, high-contrast coloration: a blazing red or fiery orange base that sharply contrasts with neon green to bright yellow mouths (corallites) and eyes.

The name "Raja Rampage" highlights the powerful, almost aggressive use of color, reminiscent of the vibrant chalices found in the Raja Ampat region. This coral grows in an encrusting and then thick, plating or cup-shaped morphology. The red and orange pigmentation is best maintained under moderate light intensity combined with precise water chemistry, making it a spectacular focal point for the lower sections of a reef tank.

This coral is considered Moderate in care, making it suitable for the dedicated intermediate hobbyist. Like all chalices, the Raja Rampage needs consistent water parameters and protection from excessive light, which can cause the colors to dull or the coral to bleach.

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 optimal health, growth, and color saturation. 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 actively feeding or competing for space. It is crucial to give the Raja Rampage at least 3-4 inches of clear space from other neighboring corals (especially passive corals like softies) to prevent 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 high-light corals.
• 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: Raja Rampage Chalice
• Other Common Names: Raja Rampage, Red/Orange Chalice
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific, often associated with Raja Ampat)
• 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