The Hammer Coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral and often referred to as Euphyllia Hammer Coral or Anchor Coral. Its common names are derived from the appearance of its hammer-, or anchor-shaped tentacles. Its polyps are visible throughout the day and night and hide its skeletal base. It may be green, tan, or brown in color, with lime green or yellow tips on the ends of its tentacles that glow under actinic lighting. Some varieties may be branched which makes them look similar to a Torch Coral (E. glabrescens). The hammer coral is an excellent addition to any tank, with it’s great movement and color it will add a nice splash to your Reef!
Euphyllia ancora is a species of hard coral in the family Euphylliidae. It is known by several common names, including anchor coral and hammer coral, or less frequently as sausage coral, ridge coral, or bubble honeycomb coral
Frequently Asked Questions!
Are Hammer Corals Hard to Keep?
Hammer corals are fairly easy to keep and are some of the first corals most customers purchase. They do require stable parameters, decent flow, and moderate lighting but most people will find success with them easily.
Are hammer corals for beginners?
The team at TRSC would consider hammers to be an intermediate coral.
Can hammers be next to each other?
YES! – Hammers especially those from the same region and from the same family are fine close to each other. While we have never experienced issues with Australian Hammers and Indo Paarancora or Ancora hammers we keep them in the same systems and within touching distance of each other.
How to care for a hammer coral?
Hammers can be placed almost anywhere in the aquarium depending on your lighting. They typically do best in medium water flow and medium light. A happy hammer will move with the flow and fully extend.
Why do Australian Hammer cost more?
A host of factors will influence the cost of hammers however, cost typically comes down to size, color, rarity and availability. Australian hammers are typically larger, brightly colored, and imposing pieces that make for amazing collector pieces. Typically hammers in the orange, pink, rainbow, gold will tend to cost more due to rarity and availability.