Euphyllia ancora is known by many names, such as hammer coral, gold hammer coral, magical hammer coral, and twisted hammer coral, making it one of the most beautiful corals for a moving reef aquarium. Named for its unique, hammer-shaped tentacle tips, this coral is a hallmark of many aquarists because of its intense colors and moving action. Hammer coral care, placement, and tank mates are among the most important topics to discuss for experienced hobbyists, as well as newcomers to the reefing community.
Noticeable Looks and Different Types
Hammer coral in Canada is available in a variety of shades, from pale greens and browns to bright purples and golds, often featuring luminescent margins that fluoresce under actinic lighting. Those flowing tentacles give this coral a unique type of movement in an aquarium and creates a beautiful ripple effect that helps mimic a natural reef environment. If you combine its beauty with the low-moderate level of care it requires – it’s not surprising that it’s a common choice for reef tanks.
Placement and Lighting Needs
It flourishes in a variety of tank environments though its placement and the intensity of its lighting requirements should be tailored for the health of this coral. This coral likes moderate lighting such as what is provided by LED or T5 fixtures. It is adaptable, though keep in mind that if you place it in an area with excessive lighting, it could cause a bleached state. To help the tentacles extend without them being damaged by too much movement, place your hammer coral in an area with gentle to moderate water flow.
Compatibility with Tankmates
This is an important thing to consider since hammer coral can be housed with other corals, but it requires some thought and caution when introducing it to your tank. This coral can be aggressive to neighbours, often deploying long, stinging sweeper tentacles. Keep plenty of space between hammer coral and other invertebrates to avoid territorial squabbles. However, it makes an excellent partner with other LPS (large polyp stony) corals, like torch or frogspawn corals, as they have almost the same care and can successfully interact in peaceful "coral gardens."
Care and Feeding
Hammer coral gets most of its nutrition through photosynthesis, thanks to the symbiotic zooxanthellae algae in its tissues, but occasional supplemental feeding can encourage growth and coloration. Offer it small quantities of meaty foods, like mysis shrimp or coral-specific frozen blends, once or twice a week. Keeping water changes and parameters stable, particularly calcium, magnesium and alkalinity levels, is key to its overall health.
Conclusion
Hammer coral can not only add aesthetic allure to your reef tank, you will also witness a tiny part of the grand spectacle that is the natural coral reef. You can make a smooth adjustment for this gorgeous coral in your aquatic environments by being aware of its requirements on placement, lighting, and compatibility. Whether a centerpiece or a companion piece, the many colors of hammer coral brings the wonder of underwater life to your aquarium.
Kevin Astle is the author of this article. To know more details about Best Signature Corals please visit our website: fraggarage.ca