Green Toxic Hammer Coral
Green Toxic Hammer Coral
Species: Euphyllia ancora / Fimbriaphyllia ancora
Growth Form:
Large Polyp Stony (LPS); branching or wall-type with hammer/anchor-shaped tentacle tips.
Coloration:
Bright neon green with strong “toxic” fluorescence under blue/actinic lighting.
Temperament:
Semi-aggressive; develops sweeper tentacles — allow adequate spacing.
Tank Size:
30 gallons and up (50+ gallons preferred for stability).
Placement:
Mid to lower levels with room around the colony.
Lighting:
Moderate (PAR 80–150).
Flow:
Moderate, indirect flow for gentle swaying motion.
Diet:
Photosynthetic; benefits from supplemental feeding.
Feeding:
1–2 times weekly with mysis, reef roids, or fine meaty foods.
Reef Safe:
Yes, with proper spacing from neighboring corals.
Care Level:
Moderate; requires stable alkalinity and consistent parameters.
Green Toxic Hammer Coral
Species: Euphyllia ancora / Fimbriaphyllia ancora
Growth Form:
Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral with thick branching or wall-type skeleton. Features fleshy tentacles with distinctive hammer or anchor-shaped tips that extend and sway gracefully in the current.
Coloration:
Intense neon green to “radioactive” lime coloration. Under blue/actinic lighting, the coral exhibits strong fluorescence, giving it the popular “toxic” glow appearance.
Temperament:
Semi-aggressive.
Produces sweeper tentacles that can extend several inches, especially at night. Adequate spacing from neighboring corals is essential.
Tank Size:
30 gallons and up. Larger systems (50+ gallons) provide better long-term stability and growth potential.
Placement:
Mid to lower regions of the aquarium. Allow space around the colony to prevent contact with nearby corals.
Lighting:
Moderate (PAR 80–150).
Excessive light may cause bleaching or tissue recession, while insufficient light can dull coloration and reduce extension.
Flow:
Moderate, indirect flow.
Gentle, alternating flow is ideal to create natural movement. Avoid strong, direct flow which may damage delicate tissue.
Diet:
Primarily photosynthetic via zooxanthellae but benefits from supplemental feeding.
Feeding:
Feed 1–2 times per week with mysis shrimp, reef roids, or other fine meaty foods. Target feeding can enhance growth and polyp fullness.
Reef Safe:
Yes, with proper spacing. Compatible with other LPS corals when given room.
Care Level:
Moderate.
Best suited for aquarists who maintain stable alkalinity and consistent water parameters. Sensitive to sudden parameter swings, especially alkalinity and salinity.
Ideal Parameters:
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Salinity: 1.025–1.026
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Temperature: 76–78°F
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Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH (stable)
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Calcium: 400–450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
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Nitrates: 5–15 ppm
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Phosphates: 0.03–0.08 ppm
Fun Fact:
Green “Toxic” Hammer corals are highly sought after for their strong fluorescence, making them a centerpiece coral in many LPS-dominant reef aquariums.