Why do we use the term "Chalice?" - Reef-Geeks

returnofsid · Reef-Geek

Maybe it's just a pet peeve of mine, but why do we use the term "Chalice?"

There are many Genus and Species of corals, that we commonly refer to, as "Chalice," yet they're vastly unrelated to one another.

Echinophyllia
Echinopora
Physophyllia
Leptoseris
Leptastria
Oxypora
Echinomorpha
Mycedium
Pectina

I'm sure there are more, but that's a list, off the top of my head, of corals that are generically referred to, as "Chalices." WHY??!!

spinycheek · Insert Custom Title Here

I've wondered that too, I would prefer the scientific names. People just tend to do that with things, lump unrelated groups into each other. Why are turtles, crocodiles, tuataras, snakes and lizards called reptiles? They are unrelated genetically and in appearance and exclude birds which rightfully belong in that group more than turtles.

returnofsid · Reef-Geek

It all stems from Tyree, who, in 1995, named the Tyree Blue Chalice, which was an Echinopora lamellosa. From there, it all became marketing. The use of "Chalice," IMO, was meant to make people believe they were the ultimate in rare corals...think "Holy Grail," which is thought to have been a "Chalice."

raskal311 · Newbie-Geek

1995? wow I didn't realize the Tyree thing went that far back.

TimH07 · Reef-Geek

Chalice = cup and is used to describe anything that looks like a cup type coral.

estanoche · I <3 the LEFT COAST!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimH07

Chalice = cup and is used to describe anything that looks like a cup type coral.

although - don't they call tubinara a cup coral??? that one usually doesnt get thrown into the chalice game - I think because it was popular before the "chalice fad" hit full steam - but that is only my hypothesis, based on very little, if at all, no research what-so-ever

Ashlar · DIY Geek

Scientists have been using 'chalice' / 'cup' / 'calix'* / 'caliform' to describe corals with a cup-like growth form or cup-like corallites long before Tyree.

see Biology and Geology of Coral Reefs, OA Jones, 1973. pp 112-114 - 'Chalice and cup corals'.

*calix being latin for 'chalice/cup'

[1 (permalink)] Posted by returnofsid 12-12-2011, 12:14 PM	Reef-Geek
Why do we use the term "Chalice?" Maybe it's just a pet peeve of mine, but why do we use the term "Chalice?" There are many Genus and Species of corals, that we commonly refer to, as "Chalice," yet they're vastly unrelated to one another. Echinophyllia Echinopora Physophyllia Leptoseris Leptastria Oxypora Echinomorpha Mycedium Pectina I'm sure there are more, but that's a list, off the top of my head, of corals that are generically referred to, as "Chalices." WHY??!! __________________ Please click links for: Sid's tanks Randy's DIY Supplement Recipes Reef Chemistry Calculator	Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 324 Gameroom cash: $113360 Rep Power: 25
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[2 (permalink)] Posted by spinycheek 12-12-2011, 12:47 PM	Insert Custom Title Here
I've wondered that too, I would prefer the scientific names. People just tend to do that with things, lump unrelated groups into each other. Why are turtles, crocodiles, tuataras, snakes and lizards called reptiles? They are unrelated genetically and in appearance and exclude birds which rightfully belong in that group more than turtles. __________________ All this knowledge is giving me a raging brainer!	Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lakewood, CO Posts: 4,277 Gameroom cash: $1307222 Rep Power: 82
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[3 (permalink)] Posted by returnofsid 12-12-2011, 03:25 PM	Reef-Geek
It all stems from Tyree, who, in 1995, named the Tyree Blue Chalice, which was an Echinopora lamellosa. From there, it all became marketing. The use of "Chalice," IMO, was meant to make people believe they were the ultimate in rare corals...think "Holy Grail," which is thought to have been a "Chalice." __________________ Please click links for: Sid's tanks Randy's DIY Supplement Recipes Reef Chemistry Calculator	Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 324 Gameroom cash: $113360 Rep Power: 25
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[7 (permalink)] Posted by Ashlar 12-12-2011, 09:13 PM	DIY Geek
Scientists have been using 'chalice' / 'cup' / 'calix'* / 'caliform' to describe corals with a cup-like growth form or cup-like corallites long before Tyree. see Biology and Geology of Coral Reefs, OA Jones, 1973. pp 112-114 - 'Chalice and cup corals'. *calix being latin for 'chalice/cup' __________________ Click image above to view tank webcams (12-10pm CST).	Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Coppell, TX Posts: 165 Gameroom cash: $50150 Rep Power: 5
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[4 (permalink)] Posted by raskal311 12-12-2011, 03:45 PM	Newbie-Geek
1995? wow I didn't realize the Tyree thing went that far back.	Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 20 Gameroom cash: $7320 Rep Power: 3
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[5 (permalink)] Posted by TimH07 12-12-2011, 05:15 PM	Reef-Geek
Chalice = cup and is used to describe anything that looks like a cup type coral.	Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 244 Gameroom cash: $78460 Rep Power: 14
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