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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 are large polyp stony corals (LPS) that are a popular choice for reef aquariums due to their vibrant colors and unique growth forms. They can be found in various colors and may grow in wall or branching formations, with the branching varieties typically growing more quickly, making them an excellent showpiece coral.
Demands and Hardiness
These Australian Splatter hammer corals require moderate to strong water movement, as they thrive in currents that cause them to sway gracefully. While they primarily obtain nutrients from their zooxanthellae, direct feeding with Mysis Shrimp or similar small critters and pellets in the 6 to 13mm range can also benefit them. It's important to note that hammer corals, along with torches and frogspawn, may not aggressively feed like other LPS corals, so finding the right food may require some trial and error.
Lighting
Hammer corals, torches, and frogspawn do not need as much light as some other coral species. They can be maintained under normal output fluorescents with ease, although they may extend more under subdued lighting. However, placing them under stronger lighting conditions can bring out more attractive colors in these corals.
Water Flow
Moderate to strong water movement is recommended for hammer corals as it is not only beneficial for their health but also contributes to their aesthetic appeal, especially how they gracefully sway in the current.
Feeding
While hammer corals largely depend on their zooxanthellae for nutrients, supplementary feeding with small critters and pellets in the appropriate size range is beneficial. However, hammer corals, along with torches and frogspawn, may not feed as actively as other LPS corals, posing a feeding challenge at times.
Propagation
Hammer corals have been successfully propagated in captivity and are suitable for aquaculture. Branching varieties are preferred for propagation due to their faster growth rates, presenting a potential hurdle for large-scale commercial aquaculture efforts, which could be overcome with time and further research.
Localization & Habitat
Hammer corals are commonly found throughout tropical waters in the Pacific region, particularly in areas such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They are often harvested from these locations for aquarium trade, showcasing their widespread distribution across various reef systems.