Hammer Coral

Euphyllia ancora, the Hammer Coral or Anchor Coral, is one of the most iconic and recognizable LPS corals in the reef hobby, extending long, fleshy tentacles tipped with distinctive T-shaped or anchor-like ends that give the species its common names. Under LED reef lighting these tentacles sway hypnotically in the current and glow in spectacular shades of vivid green, golden yellow, tan, and purple depending on the morph. Hammer Coral is both photosynthetic and a capable plankton feeder, and under stable water chemistry it grows steadily, adding new heads over time to create a breathtaking multi-head colony. It is compatible with other Euphyllia species (Hammer, Frogspawn, Torch) as they generally do not sting each other, but its sweeper tentacles will damage other coral genera.

Place in medium to moderate light with gentle, indirect water flow — strong direct flow distresses the tentacles. Allow at least 15–20 cm clearance from non-Euphyllia corals. Target feed weekly with Reef-Roids, frozen mysis, or coral paste to supplement photosynthesis and encourage new head growth. Maintain stable reef chemistry: alkalinity 8–11 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm. Watch for brown jelly disease if tentacles look receded or discolored.