The Hammer Coral (Euphyllia ancora) is a staple large polyp stony coral celebrated for its distinctive anchor-shaped tentacle tips and lush growth habit. It brings magnificent architectural beauty and graceful aquatic movement to any reef aquarium display.

Physical Description

This coral features meandering wall-like or branching skeletal structures with fleshy tentacles crowned by distinctive hammer-shaped or T-shaped tips. Color morphs commonly include shimmering metallic green, golden brown, teal, and beige with glowing anchor margins that fluoresce under blue lighting.

Distribution and Habitat

Euphyllia ancora is indigenous to tropical coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, especially across the marine waters of Indonesia and northern Australia. It occupies protected reef slopes, subtidal flats, and sheltered lagoons with moderate currents.

Lighting and Flow Requirements

Moderate lighting provides the ideal photosynthetic active radiation for healthy growth and color retention. Moderate, turbulent water flow is recommended to stimulate full polyp expansion while preventing waste accumulation in its skeletal valleys.

Feeding and Nutrition

Photosynthetic zooxanthellae supply the majority of its daily energy needs, though targeted feedings of meaty foods like enriched artemia and microplankton enhance tissue growth and skeletal calcification.

Placement and Compatibility

Install this semi-aggressive coral in low to mid tank zones. Maintain adequate safety distance from other sessile invertebrates because it can produce sweeper tentacles that may sting adjacent corals.

Conservation Status

Healthy populations occur across broad geographical regions in the Indo-Pacific. Sustainable reef management supports its conservation. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.