Aqua Cultured Green Tip Hammer

Euphyllia hammer coral (scientific name Euphyllia ancora) is a popular and beautiful species in the aquarium trade, admired for its unique appearance and relatively easy care. It belongs to the Euphylliidae family and is often grouped together with other Euphyllia species such as torch and frogspawn corals. Here's a detailed description and care guide to help you successfully keep a hammer coral in your aquarium:

Description

The hammer coral is known for its distinct appearance, characterized by its large, fleshy polyps that have a "hammer" or "lobed" shape at the ends of their tentacles. These lobes give the coral a "hammerhead" look, which is how it got its name. The polyps can be long, and the tips often curl or bend, adding to its dramatic and striking appearance.

• Color: Hammer corals come in a wide range of colors, from greens and yellows to shades of pink, purple, and brown. Some varieties even show two-tone color patterns or fluorescence under actinic lighting.
• Growth Form: The hammer coral can grow as a branching structure, forming large colonies over time. Its skeleton is made of calcium carbonate, and it has multiple branches that extend outward, each topped with the hammer-shaped polyps.
• Size: It can grow quite large in the right conditions, with some colonies reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm) or more across.

Care Guide

1. Lighting

Hammer corals are photosynthetic and require moderate to high lighting to thrive. They rely on the symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae, which photosynthesize and provide nutrients to the coral.

• Ideal Light Levels: Around 150-250 PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) for optimal growth and coloration.

• Lighting Type: Metal halides, T5, or high-quality LED lights work well to provide the necessary spectrum, particularly blue (actinic) light, which enhances the coral's coloration.

• Placement in Tank: The coral should be placed in the middle to upper part of the aquarium, where it can receive sufficient light. Avoid placing it directly under the brightest light unless it has acclimated properly, as too much light can lead to bleaching.

2. Water Flow

Hammer corals prefer moderate water flow. Too little flow can cause detritus and debris to build up on their surface, while excessive flow may cause the polyps to retract and stress the coral.

• Ideal Water Flow: Moderate to gentle, with areas of low to moderate turbulence. Randomized or chaotic water movement is often preferred, as it mimics natural reef environments.
• Placement in Tank: Position the hammer coral in an area where it gets a good flow but is not directly hit by strong currents that could harm its tentacles.

3. Temperature

Hammer corals thrive in a stable and moderate temperature range. Sudden fluctuations in temperature can stress the coral, leading to health issues like bleaching.

• Ideal Temperature Range: 76°F to 80°F (24-27°C). Avoid extremes, and maintain a stable temperature to ensure the health of the coral.

4. Water Parameters

Maintaining stable and ideal water parameters is essential for the health of hammer corals. Key parameters include:

• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 SG (specific gravity).
• pH: 8.1-8.4.
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH.
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm.
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm.
• Nitrates: <10 ppm (ideally under 5 ppm).
• Phosphates: <0.03 ppm.

Regular water changes are important to maintain the quality of the water and keep nitrate and phosphate levels in check.

5. Feeding

Hammer corals can feed in two main ways: through photosynthesis (via their symbiotic zooxanthellae algae) and by capturing small prey with their tentacles. Though they primarily rely on photosynthesis for energy, occasional feeding of meaty foods will benefit them.

• Feeding Options: Small, meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or plankton. You can target feed with a turkey baster or pipette, allowing the coral to catch the food.
• Supplements: Amino acids and other coral supplements can also be beneficial for their growth and health.

6. Tankmates

Hammer corals are relatively peaceful but can be aggressive if placed too close to other corals, especially other Euphyllia species (such as torch or frogspawn). Their long tentacles can sting other corals, so they need plenty of space to avoid conflict.

• Compatible Tankmates: Peaceful fish such as clownfish, gobies, or wrasses. Additionally, soft corals, other LPS corals with more robust skeletons, or SPS corals (with appropriate spacing) can be kept with them.
• Avoid: Aggressive corals (such as large-polyp stony corals) that could get stung by the hammer coral's tentacles.

7. Acclimation

Like other corals, hammer corals should be acclimated to your aquarium's conditions slowly. Use the drip acclimation method to ensure a smooth transition from the store's water to your tank's water. This helps reduce the risk of shock and stress, which can lead to the coral's demise.

• Acclimation Steps: Slowly acclimate the coral to your aquarium's water parameters, especially temperature, salinity, and light. Begin with dim lighting and gradually increase exposure to brighter light.

8. Growth and Fragging

Hammer corals are slow-growing but can form large, impressive colonies if provided the proper conditions. They grow by developing new branches from their base or from the tips of their existing branches.

• Fragging: You can frag hammer corals by cutting through the skeleton carefully with bone cutters or a saw. Make sure to only cut a portion of the skeleton, ensuring that the remaining tissue is healthy. Always let the frag heal in a quarantine or low-flow area until it shows signs of recovery.

Common Problems

• Bleaching: If exposed to high-intensity light or poor water quality, hammer corals may bleach. Ensure proper lighting and water conditions to prevent this.
• Tissue Necrosis: Tissue loss or recession can occur due to physical damage, poor water quality, or pests. If tissue necrosis is observed, remove the coral from the tank to allow it to heal in a stress-free environment.
• Pests: Hammer corals may attract pests such as Aiptasia anemones or flatworms, which can damage their tissues. Regularly inspect the coral for pests.