*THERE IS APPROX 4-5 HEADS AND CANT BE FRAGGED AT THE MOMENT*
The Golden Hammer Coral, a variant of Euphyllia ancora, is known for its striking appearance and vibrant golden or yellowish color. It features long, sweeping tentacles that can be quite pronounced, creating a "hammer-like" appearance. This coral is a member of the Euphyllia genus, which includes other popular corals like frogspawn and torch corals. The Golden Hammer Coral is often appreciated for its unique color and elegant tentacle structure.
Care Tips:
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Lighting: Golden Hammer Corals prefer moderate to high lighting. They rely on their symbiotic zooxanthellae for photosynthesis, so providing appropriate light intensity with LED or T5 lighting systems is important. Avoid very intense lighting, which can lead to bleaching.
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Water Flow: Moderate water flow is ideal. Too strong a current can damage the delicate tentacles, while insufficient flow can result in poor gas exchange and detritus buildup. Gentle to moderate water flow helps in keeping the coral healthy and its tentacles extended.
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Water Conditions: Keep stable water parameters for optimal health:
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific Gravity: 1.023-1.025
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH Regular water changes and effective filtration are essential to maintain these conditions.
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Feeding: While primarily photosynthetic, Golden Hammer Corals benefit from supplemental feeding. Offer small amounts of meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or coral pellets 1-2 times a week. This feeding supports their growth and overall health.
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Placement: Position the coral on the substrate or a stable rock where it has enough space to expand. Avoid placing it near aggressive corals or in areas with very strong flow. Provide it with adequate lighting and flow conditions tailored to its needs.
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Maintenance: Regularly check the coral for signs of stress or disease, such as retracted tentacles or discoloration. Keeping the aquarium environment clean and monitoring water quality helps prevent common issues.
With proper care, the Golden Hammer Coral can be a stunning and vibrant addition to your reef tank, showcasing its beautiful golden color and unique tentacle formation.