Euphyllia (Hammer / Torch)
Euphyllia spp.Dana, 1846Species
Reef-dwelling corals with extended polyps. Hammer corals feature hammer-shaped tentacles, while torch corals display flame-like polyps. Both responsive to water flow and lighting, making them beginner-friendly for marine aquaria.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonEuphyllia (Hammer / Torch)
- Commonユーフィリア系（ハンマー・トーチ）
- SynonymLeptosmilia
- SynonymPlocophyllia
Overview
Euphyllia (family Euphylliidae) is a group of large-polyp stony (LPS) corals from Indo-Pacific reef slopes, popularly distinguished by tentacle shape as hammer, torch, and frogspawn corals. Their long, inflated tentacles sway beautifully in the current, showing greens, golds, pinks, and purples. They are relatively easy to keep under low to moderate lighting and gentle low to moderate flow. Avoid strong direct current, which damages the tentacles, and intense light, which causes fading. They wield long sweeper tentacles that aggressively attack nearby corals, so ample spacing is essential. Feeding once or twice weekly promotes color and growth. They propagate by skeletal division and are among the most popular corals in the reef hobby.
Care Specifications
| Type | LPS |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24〜27℃ |
| Specific gravity | 1.023〜1.025 |
| Salinity | 33〜35 ppt |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 8〜12 dKH |
| Calcium (Ca) | 400〜450 mg/L |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1280〜1350 mg/L |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Water flow | Medium |
| Placement | Middle |
Care Points
- Lighting—Moderate LED; avoid excessive intensity
- Flow—Low to moderate; tentacles gently sway
- Water Quality—KH 7-9, Ca 400-450ppm, keep stable
- Notes—Sweeper tentacles sting neighbors; space apart
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Euphyllia spp., Euphylliidae)。CITES 附属書II。
Sources
- AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS care (PAR/flow)(careSpec)
- AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
- DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)(regulatory)
- Wikipedia(detail)
Named Lineages in this genus
Trade names and morphs (Named Lineages) within this genus. Open a lineage page from its name.
Related corals of the same type
AcanthastreaアカンサストレアlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with metallic colors in large polyps. Australian specimens are popular as premium pieces.
Acan CoralアカンソフィリアlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with rich colorful variations. Highly popular among collectors with many high-value specimens.
Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)アカントフィリアlpsIntermediateLPS coral with single massive polyp. Vivid red, green, blue colors earn it the 'Meat Coral' nickname. Impressive when fleshy tissue inflates fully.
Acan LordアカンロードlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with vivid multicolor patterns beautiful as jewels. Premium species popular among collectors.
AlveoporaアルベオポラlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with long tentacles similar to Goniopora. Hardier and easier to keep than Goniopora.
War CoralウォーコーラルlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with distinctive rugged appearance. Also called Favia, beautiful with fluorescent colors.Related care articles
Natural Spawning and Breeding in LPS Corals | Key Points for Juvenile Coral Rearing and Parental Stock Selection
Natural spawning in LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals is a biological event triggered by multiple interacting environmental factors. The primary driver is photoperiod: as day length extends from spring into early summer, gonadal development in individual colonies accelerates. Most LPS species reach their spawning season between April and July, with decreasing nighttime illumination and lunar cycles serving as the final spawning triggers...
Trachyphyllia (Open Brain Coral) Care | Managing a Unique Species That Dwells on Sand Substrate
Trachyphyllia is an LPS coral that does not cement to rock, instead resting on sandy substrate or in rock crevices by its own weight. This guide explains how to choose placement based on its distinct ecology and how to maintain proper spacing from neighboring corals.
Cardinal Fish and LPS Coral Symbiosis | How to Select and Maintain Symbiotic Fishes
Most LPS corals host small symbiotic fish. Understand the natural symbiotic relationship with cardinal fish and learn how to create an aquarium environment where both corals and symbiotic fish thrive comfortably.
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