More info
Datasheet
| Care Description | Hammer corals are an iconic large polyp stony coral (LPS) that has been a staple in the hobby for generations. They are found all throughout the Pacific reefs and come in a variety of colors and growth forms. Hammer corals sometimes grow in a wall formation while other hammers grow in a branching formation. Either variety makes an excellent show piece coral for a reef aquarium however the branching varieties tend to grow more quickly. Please see below for additional care tips for hammer corals. |
| Water Flow | Moderate to Strong |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description:
Hammer corals, belonging to the Euphyllia genus, are iconic large polyp stony corals (LPS) known for their variety of colors and growth forms. They can be found in both wall and branching formations, making them excellent showpiece corals for reef aquariums. They are commonly found throughout the Pacific reefs.
Demands and Hardiness:
Hammer corals, like other Euphyllia species, rely heavily on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but can also benefit from direct feeding with small critters and pellets within a size range of 6 to 13mm. While they do not aggressively feed like some LPS corals, ensuring they receive the right food is essential for their health. Branching varieties of hammer corals tend to grow more quickly compared to wall varieties.
Lighting:
Hammer corals, along with torches and frogspawn corals, do not require extremely high light levels. They can thrive under normal output fluorescents, though they may display more vibrant colors under stronger lighting. Some hammers may extend more under subdued lighting.
Water Flow:
Moderate to strong water movement is recommended for hammer corals. The swaying motion induced by adequate water flow not only benefits the coral's health but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium.
Feeding:
Hammer corals, despite relying on zooxanthellae, can benefit from direct feeding with Mysis Shrimp and similar small critters. Finding the right food for these corals can be a challenge as they do not feed as aggressively as some other LPS corals.
Propagation:
Hammer corals have been successfully propagated in captivity and are good candidates for aquaculture. However, their slow growth compared to other stony corals, particularly the branching varieties, presents a challenge for commercial aquaculture. Efforts are being made to achieve sustainable harvests over time.
Localization & Habitat:
Hammer corals are commonly harvested from the tropical waters of the Pacific, including regions like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their widespread distribution in these areas makes them readily available in the aquarium trade.