Hologram Hammer Coral (Euphyllia ancora) – Description & Care
The Hologram Hammer Coral is a stunning variety of Euphyllia ancora, featuring a mesmerizing mix of neon green, gold, and blue hues with a metallic, almost holographic shimmer. Its unique color pattern and flowing, hammer-shaped tentacles make it a standout piece in reef tanks. Like other hammer corals, it adds movement and depth while maintaining a moderate level of aggression.
Care Requirements:
1. Lighting
- Moderate to High (PAR 80-200)
- Thrives under LED or T5 lighting but should be acclimated slowly to avoid bleaching or stress.
- Too much light can cause retraction, while too little can lead to slow growth.
2. Flow
- Moderate, Gentle Flow
- Prefers indirect, random flow to keep tentacles gently swaying without excessive movement.
- Too much flow can cause the polyps to retract, while too little may allow detritus buildup.
3. Placement
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Mid to lower regions of the tank, depending on light intensity.
- Requires at least 4-6 inches of space from non-Euphyllia corals due to its sweeper tentacles.
- Can be placed near other Euphyllia corals (frogspawn, torch, and other hammers), as they often tolerate each other.
4. Water Parameters
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Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C)
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Salinity: 1.025 SG (35 ppt)
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pH: 8.1-8.4
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Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
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Calcium: 400-450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
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Nitrates: 5-10 ppm
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Phosphates: 0.01-0.05 ppm
5. Feeding
- Photosynthetic but benefits from supplemental feeding.
- Target feed 1-2 times per week with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids).
- Feeding can accelerate growth and enhance coloration.
6. Tank Mates & Compatibility
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Can be placed near other Euphyllia corals (frogspawn, torch, or other hammers) since they often do not sting each other.
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Aggressive toward non-Euphyllia corals, so ensure adequate spacing.
- Safe with most reef-safe fish and inverts, but avoid coral-picking fish like large angelfish and butterflyfish.
- Clownfish may attempt to host, but excessive rubbing can stress the coral.
7. Special Considerations
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Sweeper tentacles extend at night, so leave extra space between corals.
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Acclimate slowly to prevent light or flow shock.
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Fragile skeleton—handle carefully to avoid fractures.
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Dip before adding to the tank to prevent pests or infections like brown jelly disease.
