Yellow Hammer

Coral photographs may differ slightly from the actual coral you receive. Many of our coral images are taken under blue-spectrum aquarium lighting and may be enhanced with a blue light filter to better showcase fluorescence and coloration. As a result, colours and appearance can vary depending on your aquarium lighting, water conditions, and viewing angle.

We strive to represent each coral as accurately as possible, but natural variations in colour, pattern, size, and growth form should be expected.

Description

The Gold Hammer Coral is one of the most coveted LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals in the reef-keeping hobby, renowned for its brilliant golden coloration and graceful swaying movement. Its distinctive hammer-shaped tentacles create a stunning visual display, particularly under modern LED reef lighting where the metallic gold pigments truly come to life. Whether used as a centrepiece specimen or incorporated into a Euphyllia garden, the Gold Hammer instantly adds luxury and movement to any reef aquarium.

Gold Hammer Corals are highly prized for their ability to create a dramatic focal point while remaining relatively hardy once established. Each colony develops its own unique appearance, with colours ranging from soft yellow-gold to intense metallic gold depending on lighting conditions and genetics. Under blue-spectrum lighting, the fluorescence becomes even more striking, creating a glowing effect that draws attention from across the room.

As the coral matures, it can form impressive colonies that gently sway in the current, mimicking the movement of underwater fields of grass on a natural reef. This natural motion helps create a more dynamic and realistic reef display.

Care Guide

Difficulty

Moderate

Lighting

Moderate to high lighting is recommended. Gold Hammer Corals generally thrive in PAR levels between 80 and 180. Avoid sudden increases in light intensity, as this can cause stress or bleaching.

Water Flow

Moderate, indirect flow is ideal. The tentacles should gently sway back and forth without being blasted by strong direct current. Excessive flow may cause tissue recession, while insufficient flow can lead to detritus accumulation.

Placement

Best placed in the middle to lower sections of the aquarium. Ensure adequate space around the coral to allow for future growth and sweeper tentacle extension.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–26°C
• Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm
• Nitrate: 2–15 ppm
• Phosphate: 0.03–0.10 ppm

Feeding

While highly reliant on photosynthesis through its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, Gold Hammer Corals benefit from occasional supplemental feeding. Target feeding reef roids, amino acids, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or other fine marine foods can promote faster growth and improved coloration.

Compatibility

Gold Hammer Corals are considered semi-aggressive and can extend sweeper tentacles capable of stinging neighbouring corals. A minimum spacing of 10–15 cm from other corals is recommended.

Growth Rate

Moderate. Under stable reef conditions and regular feeding, Gold Hammer Corals can steadily develop into impressive colonies over time.