Hammer Coral
Euphyllia ancora
Water Parameters
About
Popular LPS coral with T-shaped tentacles that sway gently in the current. Available in green, gold, and other colors.
Behavior & Temperament
Sessile with hammer‑shaped tentacles. Extends sweeping tentacles at night that can burn neighboring corals. Significant daytime expansion.
Feeding
Photosynthetic + carnivore - zooxanthellae provide base energy, supplement with mysis, brine shrimp and LPS coral foods
Breeding
Asexually by fragmentation and budding. Sexually by mass spawning. Fragmentation (fragging) is common in the hobby. Rapid recovery of fragments.
Care Notes
Moderate lighting (100-200 PAR). Moderate, alternating flow. Supplement calcium (420-450ppm), alkalinity (8-11 dKH) and magnesium (1250-1350ppm). Do not touch the tentacles.
Compatibility
Keep a distance from other corals (sweeping tentacles). Compatible with clownfish that can host it. Minimum distance of 15cm from neighbors.
Quick Summary
| Scientific Name | Euphyllia ancora |
|---|---|
| Family | Euphylliidae |
| Category | Cnidarian |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Max Size | 20.0 cm (7.9") |
| Min Tank | 150 L (40 gal) |
| Min Group | 1+ |
| Diet | Photosynthetic + carnivore - zooxanthellae provide base energy, supplement with mysis, brine shrimp and LPS coral foods |
| Temperament | Sessile with hammer‑shaped tentacles. Extends sweeping tentacles at night that can burn neighboring corals. Significant daytime expansion. |
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