Description:
Hammer corals are one of the most popular large-polyp stony (LPS) corals in the reef-keeping hobby. They are named for their distinctive hammer- or anchor-shaped tentacle tips, which can range in colors such as neon green, gold, purple, or a mix of shades. When fully extended, they create a flowing, wave-like appearance that adds movement and vibrant color to the reef aquarium.
Care Level: Moderate
Lighting:
-
Moderate lighting (PAR 80–150).
-
Too much light can cause bleaching, while too little can lead to poor expansion.
Flow:
-
Moderate, indirect flow is ideal.
-
Strong flow can damage their fleshy polyps, while too little flow may allow detritus to settle.
Placement:
-
Place them in the mid to lower areas of the tank, depending on lighting.
-
Provide enough space between them and other corals, as hammer corals have sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals.
Feeding:
-
Photosynthetic via their zooxanthellae, but benefit from supplemental feeding.
-
Can be target-fed small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or coral foods 1–2 times per week.
Water Parameters:
Aggression: Semi-aggressive – use caution with placement, as their sweeper tentacles can extend several centimeters.
Special Notes:
-
Hammer corals are great centerpiece corals and are often kept alongside torch and frogspawn corals (also Euphyllia species).
-
Avoid sudden changes in water parameters, as they are sensitive to instability.
