Over the last decade the hobby has collectively handled tens of thousands of Mycedium, Oxypora, and Echinophyllia colonies and strains. We’re probably starting to deplete the truly novel colors and patterns within these species but thankfully, we’re just beginning to explore the diversity of Echinomorpha.
Echinomorpha is a poorly known species of chalice coral which is quickly proving why it’s important to pay attention to the species of corals we handle. Don’t get us wrong, we’ll never truly get bored of corals like the Aquatic Art Splatoon Chalice coral, but Echinomorpha such as this Fireball variety are opening our eyes to a whole different category of color and pattern for chalice corals.
This Fireball Echinomorpha comes to us from Reefmaster Indonesia, an Indonesian coral outfitter who is definitely proving they’ve got the eye for really exotic corals. Not only does Dwi score some really exciting corals, he’s a hobbyist at heart and doesn’t mind holding on to corals to give them all the time to acclimate to aquarium life, but mostly to see what they’ll turn into.
The pattern of this Echinomorpha looks like red hot glowing streaks of yellow color that is bordered in an orange glow. Here and there are tiny streaks of neon green that tease at what a full grown colony might become. Better yet, the frags of the Fireball Echinomorpha are incredibly attractive as well.
The emergence of this and many other fantastic Echinomorpha colonies just goes to show that we’re still experiencing one of the most exciting times to be a reef aquarist, and who knows what crazy corals will turn up next!
