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Hammer Coral
Euphyllia parancora
Origin: Pacific Ocean
Description:
The hammer coral has a calcium carbonate skeleton that is often visible if not obstructed by inflated polyps. When inflated the polyps extend outwards from the skeleton with a white/orange flesh. Nearer the end of the polyps are individual tentacles with a flourescent green C shape. The tentacles themselves are typically orange/yellow with the ends vibrant green or purple. The tentacles form a perimeter around the centrally based mouth which is often seen regulating zooxanthellae by emitting a large brown string of zooxanthellae.
Lighting Requirements:
The hammer coral, as well as most corals in the genus Euphyllia, are tolerant of a wide variety of lighting conditions. This coral can be excellent for beginners or low light reef tanks utilizing compact fluorescents or VHO fluorescents. The branching hammer coral is also very tolerant of being placed high up near metal halide lighting.
Flow Requirements:
Like most LPS corals flow should never be so hard that it causes the polyps to retract. There should be a gentle current that keeps the polyps swaying but never so hard that the polyps retract into the skeleton.
Growth:
The hammer coral grows outwards, often in a spherical shape. The individuals heads may split and branch away from each other or small heads may appear out of the sides of the branches.
Difficulty:
Easy
Rarity:
Common
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