Golden Branching Hammer coral. (Euphyllia paraancora)

 Golden Branching Hammer coral. (Euphyllia paraancora)

 

Golden Branching Hammer coral. (Euphyllia paraancora) is a majestic gold colour under the blue lights. However the lighting and the coral’s diet do play a significant role in the lushness of the coral’s color. This along with the fact that its tentacles closely resemble hammers make it a wonderful addition to any reef enthusiasts aquarium.

The Golden Hammer Coral (Euphyllia paraancora) is a large polyp stony (LPS) hard coral that goes by the name of Euphyllia Hammer Coral or Anchor Coral. Its common names are result of the start similarity in appearance it has to a hammer.

The Hammer Coral polyps are visible through out the day and night and hide its skeletal base. The polyps may be green, tan, or brown in color, with lime yellow or green tips on the ends of its tentacles that glow under actinic lighting. There are 2 distinct varieties, branching and wall. Branching hammers like this one tend to look similar to Torch Corals (E. glabrescens).

Hammer Corals are very sensitive and require proper water conditions in the aquarium to enable it to thrive.

 

Difficulty:  Moderate

Lighting: Medium

Flow: Medium

Feeding: Relies on zooxanthellae and small & larger plankton particles.

Aggressiveness:  Semi-aggressive

Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine,