Hammer Coral
Euphyllia ancora(Veron & Pichon, 1980)Species
LPS coral with T-shaped tentacles resembling hammers. Related to torch coral. Beautiful swaying movement in current.

Fluorescence appearance


Coral fluorescent proteins are excited by blue/actinic light. Appearance differs greatly from under white light.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonHammer Coral
- Commonハンマーコーラル
- SynonymEuphyllia anacora
- SynonymEuphyllia ancora
Overview
Hammer coral (Euphyllia ancora, family Euphylliidae) is distinguished by T-shaped or anchor-shaped tentacle tips that sway gracefully in gentle currents. Native to Indo-Pacific reef slopes, its tentacles display shades of green, tan, gold, and purple. Like its relatives torch and frogspawn coral, it possesses potent sweeper tentacles capable of stinging neighboring corals, requiring careful placement in the aquarium. It thrives under moderate lighting (150–250 PAR) with gentle indirect flow, and is sensitive to sudden changes in alkalinity and temperature. Occasional target feeding with small meaty foods promotes robust health and coloration.
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
- Flow—Low to moderate indirect flow
- Water Quality—KH 7-11, Ca 420-450ppm
- Feeding—Mysis shrimp twice weekly
- Notes—Watch for brown jelly disease from poor water quality
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Euphyllia ancora, Euphylliidae)=ハンマーコーラル。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)
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

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