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Hammer Coral Euphyllia fimbriataPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More I recently purchased a medium size Euphyllia ancora. It sees to have been damaged at one end or the 'T' shaped branch and is developing a brown jelly infection. Is... (more) Vicki Chamness The Hammer Coral has a very beautiful form and color, and it likes to sway in the currents!Hammer Coral Contents The attractive Hammer Coral Euphyllia fimbriata is a reef keepers favorite large polyp stony (LPS) coral. It is a Euphyllia spp. that is not found around Australia. Yet it does resemble its close relative, the Anchor coral Euphyllia ancora. At times the Hammer Coral is inaccurately called the Anchor coral, or even the Frogspawn Coral E. divisa, but with a close look, you can correctly identify it. The Hammer Coral and the Anchor Coral are very similar except the Hammer coral polyps have hammer or "T" shaped tips. The Anchor corals lack the "T" shape, rather they have semi-circular or sausage shaped tips. Though the Hammer Coral has a straighter and flatter tip, there can be curvature in the tip. There are also very nice branching anchor corals in this genus such as Euphyllia parancora. The identification of the E. fimbriata is determined more so by the shape of the polyp tip than their delicate skeletal structure. Both it and the Anchor Coral come in colors of green and brown, with green or cream tips. This is yet another variation of a beautiful genus of LPS that is moderately easy to keep and a great addition to any display! The Hammer Coral can be easy to moderate to care for. Like others of its genus, it will be the first to warn you that the water quality in the tank is less than acceptable. Providing it with sufficient lighting, a moderate but turbid water flow, and the availability of passing food will contribute to their success. The E. fimbriata has been propagated in captivity. These corals are not hermatypic, which means they do not contribute to reef structures. Yet in the wild it takes 2 years for a colony to repopulate, and there is concern about over collecting these corals. In some countries they have been outlawed for collection. Propagating these corals is very important in preserving the wild colonies.
Scientific name Family: Euphyllidae The family Euphyllidae, "... is a very large family of zooxanthellate scleractinans, that were previously grouped in the family Caryophylliidae (Mather, 1994). It includes such genera as Euphyllia, Catalyphyllia, Nemenzophyllia, Plerogyra, and Physogyra." Source: Tropical Marine Biology II, Classification of Scleractinian (Stony) Corals, by Pierre Madl, University of Vienna, 2001, Revised in Nov. 2002 Distribution / Background Euphyllia Coral Information: The Hammer Coral Euphyllia fimbriata was described by Spengler in 1799. Other names this coral is known for, though inaccurately, are Anchor Coral and Frogspawn Coral. Where Euphyllia Corals Are Found: E. fimbriata are found in the Western Pacific in the Philippines. Euphyllia Coral Habitat: The E. fimbriata live in colonies in waters that are turbid, yet gentle. They are found at depths down to 131 feet (40 m) and enjoy indirect bright light. They have stinging cells to help capture small prey and to defend themselves against predators. Status The E. fimbriata is not on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. Description What do Euphyllia Corals look like: The identification of the Hammer Coral E. fimbriata is determined more so by the shape of the polyp and not necessarily their delicate skeletal structure. They form large colonies with corallite walls forming on the outer edges with the polyps having the ability to completely retract into the skeleton. Polyps extend during the day and only partially at night. The tentacles of the Hammer Coral have hammer or "T" shaped tips. Though it has a straighter and flatter tip than its cousin the Anchor Coral, whose tips are more "C" shaped or sausage shaped, there can be curvature in the tip. The colors of the tentacles can be brown or tan with green or cream tips. When feeding, the individual tentacles can elongate 2 to 3 times their normal state. Some colonies can reach over 3 feet (1 m). Lifespan is unknown. Difficulty of Care Euphyllia Coral Care: The E. fimbriata can be moderate to easy to care for. Provide sufficient lighting and good turbid water flow, that is neither too strong or too weak. The availability of passing food will also contribute to their success. Using trial and error, by placing coral specimens in different areas of the tank, will eventually result in locating a favorite spot. This will be evident by full polyp expansion and feeding. Due to collection procedures, they are often broken from parent colonies in the wild. A specimen may have soft tissue damage, especially if the skeleton has splintered into the fleshy polyp area. When purchasing your coral, make sure it has been in the store for a week or so and doing well before bringing it home. This will help you avoid a potentially sick coral, since they may take a few days after shipping to show ailments. Foods / Feeding Euphyllia Coral Feeding: The Euphyllia corals, like other large polyp stony (LPS) corals, have developed several feeding strategies. Through a symbiotic relationship with a marine algae, known as zooxanthellae, they receive many of their nutrients. They also capture planktonic organisms, food particles from the water column, and can absorb dissolved organic matter. In captivity, mysis, krill, brine shrimp and other smaller items can be fed. These corals can eat surprisingly much larger chunks of food as well. Chop up or dice whole fish or shrimp and feed the entire organism to the coral. Since different parts of the animal have varying nutritional qualities, this practice of feeding your Euphyllia in such a way will yield good results. These corals are hungry all the time, so feeding as needed with various foods is helpful. Aquarium Care Typical water changes of 20% a month, 10% biweekly, or 5% weekly are needed. It has been noted that 5% weekly water changes replenish many of the needed additives and it is ultimately cheaper than purchasing additives for the water. With higher concentrations of coral with calcareous skeletons though, there may be a need put in additional additives to maintain proper levels for good growth. The following water supplements are suggested for Euphyllia species:
Aquarium Parameters A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Hammer Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production. A mature tank is recommended.
Be sure to have proper water movement. Water flow that is too strong can cause the polyps to not extend properly thus inhabiting their ability to capture food. Provide sufficient lighting, they enjoy indirect bright light. Do not place directly under metal halides or its polyps can be damaged, which can lead to rapid tissue necrosis or RTN. Make sure that no other corals can come in contact with your Euphyllia. This coral can be aggressive, especially when hungry, then their sweeper tentacles can reach over 10" (25 cm). Feeding them regularly will help alleviate this problem.
Compatibility and Social Behaviors Euphyllia corals can be aggressive if touching other corals and should be positioned away from all other corals. The Hammer Coral is peaceful to its own genus, but will attack other genera within its family. The E. fimbriata tend to be sensitive to aquariums that have large collections of soft corals, specifically, some Sinularia species. When hungry, their sweeper tentacles can reach over 10" (25 cm) in large colonies, which poses a threat to nearby corals due to their strong sting. Feeding them regularly will help alleviate this problem. Sex - Sexual differences Unknown. Breeding and Reproduction The large polyp stony (LPS) corals are male and female and can reproduce both sexually and asexually. In the wild they reproduce sexually by releasing eggs and sperm at the same time, resulting in a fertilized egg which then forms into a free-swimming planula larva. Eventually the planula larvae settles onto the substrate, becoming plankters. This then forms a tiny polyp which begins to excrete calcium carbonate and develops into a coral. Planula larvae are extremely vulnerable to predation, and very few survive. Euphyllia genus reproduce asexually as well. In captivity, the E. fimbriata will bud off small groups of polyps with little skeletons attached. They will also pinch off their own tentacles, which then floats off, and being sticky, will reattach and start a new colony. To propagate you first you need to choose a healthy coral that is not showing any signs of distress. Propagation should be done with an electric saw at least 1 1/2" to 2" away from the top. Do not use a bone crusher or scissors, since they will splinter the skeleton and harm the polyp. Glue the frag to a plug or rock. You can use the 2-part epoxy or underwater putties.The slime that the coral will exude should not come in contact with any other corals and gloves are suggested. Give the frag ample water flow. Potential Problems The Euphyllia spp. are fairly hardy, but are susceptible to a few maladies. The E. fimbriata is susceptible to brown jelly or protozoan infections, collection problems, and intense lighting.
Availability Euphyllia Corals for Sale: The Hammer Coral E. fimbriata is very easy to find at pet shops and on line. Online they can run about $39.00 USD or more depending on size and/or color.
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