Light Green Hammer Coral (Euphyllia ancora) – Description & Care
The Light Green Hammer Coral is a visually striking Euphyllia species, known for its soft neon green tentacles with hammer-shaped tips that gently sway in the water. This LPS coral adds movement and color to reef tanks while being easier to care for than some other Euphyllia varieties.
Care Requirements:
1. Lighting
- Moderate to High (PAR 80-200)
- Thrives under LED or T5 lighting but should be acclimated gradually to avoid bleaching.
- Too much light can cause retraction, while too little can lead to slow growth.
2. Flow
- Moderate, Indirect Flow
- Prefers gentle, random flow to keep tentacles swaying naturally.
- Too much flow can cause tentacle retraction, while too little may allow debris buildup.
3. Placement
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Mid to lower regions of the tank, depending on light intensity.
- Needs 4-6 inches of space from non-Euphyllia corals due to sweeper tentacles.
- Can be placed near other Euphyllia corals (frogspawn, torch, or other hammers), as they usually do not sting 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 meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids).
- Regular feeding enhances growth and coloration.
6. Tank Mates & Compatibility
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Safe with other Euphyllia corals (frogspawn, torch, or other hammers) since they can co-exist.
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Aggressive toward non-Euphyllia corals, so ensure proper spacing.
- Safe with most reef-safe fish and inverts, but avoid coral-nipping fish like large angelfish and butterflyfish.
- Clownfish may host, but excessive interaction 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 new lighting and flow conditions.
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Fragile skeleton—handle with care to prevent fractures.
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Dip before adding to the tank to prevent pests and infections like brown jelly disease.
