Hammer Coral Care Guide
Looking to add movement and color to your reef tank? Hammer corals, including Paarancora Hammer and Aancora Hammer varieties, are stunning LPS corals known for their flowing tentacles and moderate care needs. Here’s how to keep them thriving.
What Are Hammer Corals?
Hammer corals belong to the Euphyllia genus and are prized for their hammer- or anchor-shaped tentacles. The Paarancora Hammer (Euphyllia paraancora) features branching skeletons, while the Aancora Hammer (Euphyllia ancora) has a wall-type growth form. Both offer vibrant colors and mesmerizing movement.
Tank Parameters
- Lighting: Moderate (80–150 PAR). Avoid sudden changes in intensity.
- Water Flow: Moderate, indirect flow to allow gentle tentacle movement.
- Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
- Calcium: 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Placement Tips
Place Hammer corals in the lower to middle areas of your tank. Ensure they have space—especially Aancora Hammer corals, which can extend long sweeper tentacles. Avoid direct flow and aggressive neighbors.
Feeding & Nutrition
While photosynthetic, Hammer corals benefit from occasional feeding. Offer:
- Frozen mysis or brine shrimp
- Reef Roids or powdered coral foods
- Target feeding 1–2 times per week
Growth & Fragging
Paarancora Hammer corals are easier to frag due to their branching structure. Use bone cutters to separate heads. Aancora Hammer corals require a coral saw and more care due to their continuous wall skeleton.
Common Issues
- Recession: Often caused by poor water quality or excessive flow.
- Bleaching: Reduce lighting intensity and check parameters.
- Brown Jelly Disease: Remove affected tissue and perform iodine dips.
