How would you guys define chalice corals?

[thamnasteroid]

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

 

[KrisReef]

In this instance I believe the hobby classifications are Ultra-unhelpful with regards to (proper scientific) taxonomic groupings.

I think I have observed Hollywood stunner and various plating montipora's being lumped into the "chalice" corals in the hobby, likely because of their plating growth patterns?

 

[thamnasteroid]

Bump

 

[thamnasteroid]

In this instance I believe the hobby classifications are Ultra-unhelpful with regards to (proper scientific) taxonomic groupings.

I think I have observed Hollywood stunner and various plating montipora's being lumped into the "chalice" corals in the hobby, likely because of their plating growth patterns?

I have not seen plating Montipora lumped in with chalices.

 

[KrisReef]

I have not seen plating Montipora lumped in with chalices.

Occasionally, at LFS or on line people will lump them. I probably should say "Hobby People" to qualify the lumpers. :cool: