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, a type of large polyp stony coral (LPS), are striking organisms that have been popular in the aquarium hobby for many years. They are prevalent across Pacific reefs and are available in various colors and growth forms, with some growing in wall formations and others in branching structures. Both types make fantastic showpieces in reef tanks, but branching varieties typically exhibit faster growth.
Demands and Hardiness
When setting up a tank for hammer corals, it is essential to provide moderate to strong water flow, as these corals thrive when gently swaying in the current. They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12, pH levels from 8.1-8.4, specific gravity (SG) between 1.023-1.026, and temperatures ranging from 22.2-25.6°C.
Lighting
Hammer corals, along with torches and frogspawn corals, do not require intense lighting compared to other coral species. They can do well under normal output fluorescents, although they may exhibit more vibrant colors when placed under stronger lighting. Some specimens may even extend their tentacles more readily under subdued lighting conditions.
Water Flow
Moderate to strong water movement is recommended for hammer corals, as it promotes both the health of the coral and adds to the aesthetic appeal of its swaying movements in the current.
Feeding
While hammer corals primarily rely on the products of their zooxanthellae for nutrition, they can also benefit from direct feeding. Offering food such as Mysis shrimp, small critters, and appropriately sized pellets (6-13mm) can help supplement their diet. However, hammers, torches, and frogspawn corals are not aggressive feeders compared to other LPS corals, making finding the right food a potential challenge.
Propagation
Hammer corals have been successfully propagated in captivity and are good candidates for aquaculture. Branching varieties are particularly suitable for propagation efforts due to their faster growth rates. Despite challenges in commercial aquaculture expansion, ongoing efforts aim to achieve sustainable harvesting practices over time.
Localization & Habitat
Hammer corals are commonly found in tropical waters across the Pacific region, with frequent harvesting locations including the Indo-Pacific islands like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef.