How would you define what a chalice coral is? What definition would you use to delimit what is a chalice from what is not a chalice?
Looking at the genera commonly considered chalices (Echinophyllia, Echinomorpha, Oxypora, Echinopora, Mycedium), I would define chalices as corals formerly in the family Pectiniidae (now split up into Merulinidae and Lobophylliidae). However, this definition leaves out Echinopora, and includes Pectinia. Sould Pectinia be considered a chalice? Should Echinopora not?
Mycedium mancaoi; Borneo | Credit: Tropical Research and Conservation Centre
Echinophyllia aspera; Batangas, Philippines | Credit: Ingo Rogalla
Looking at the genera commonly considered chalices (Echinophyllia, Echinomorpha, Oxypora, Echinopora, Mycedium), I would define chalices as corals formerly in the family Pectiniidae (now split up into Merulinidae and Lobophylliidae). However, this definition leaves out Echinopora, and includes Pectinia. Sould Pectinia be considered a chalice? Should Echinopora not?
Mycedium mancaoi; Borneo | Credit: Tropical Research and Conservation Centre
Echinophyllia aspera; Batangas, Philippines | Credit: Ingo Rogalla