Hammer Coral (Euphyllia ancora) Care Guide

An LPS coral with tentacles ending in distinctive T-shaped or anchor-shaped tips. The third member of the popular Euphyllia trio (torch, hammer, frogspawn). Moderate flow and lighting preferred.

Overview

Euphyllia ancora is a species in the family Euphylliidae. An LPS coral with tentacles ending in distinctive T-shaped or anchor-shaped tips. The third member of the popular Euphyllia trio (torch, hammer, frogspawn). Moderate flow and lighting preferred. Beautiful movement in the current, available in green, gold, and wall varieties.

Taxonomy

Family: Euphylliidae
Genus: Euphyllia
Scientific name: Euphyllia ancora
Other names: Anchor Coral
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Euphyllia ancora is a large-polyp stony coral of Indo-Pacific reefs whose tentacle tips form a hammer- or anchor-like shape. Powered by symbiotic algae and supplemented by feeding, it extends stinging sweeper tentacles at night and should be kept clear of other corals.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 100 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 10-25 cm
Lifespan: 10-30 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: weekly + photosynthetic. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Wrasses, Gobies
Avoid with: Nearby Corals, Coral Nippers

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe with caution: may disturb other sessile invertebrates, sting neighbouring corals or prey on small ornamental shrimps, so placement and tankmates need consideration.