Hammerhead Wall Hard Coral Euphyllia Sp

Hammerhead Wall Hard Coral (Euphyllia sp.)

(Also known as Wall Hammer Coral, Anchor Coral, or Hammer Coral)

Overview

The Hammerhead Wall Hard Coral (Euphyllia sp.) is a stunning large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, admired for its curved, hammer- or anchor-shaped tentacles and fluid, waving motion. Unlike branching varieties, the wall form features a continuous skeletal structure — giving it a dense, fleshy appearance and making each colony a single, solid piece. Available in luminous shades of green, gold, purple, and pink, this coral makes an exceptional centrepiece in reef aquariums. The Wall Hammer is moderately hardy but slightly more sensitive than the branching form, requiring stable water conditions and careful handling.

Origin

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. Found on protected reef slopes and lagoons, often growing alongside other Euphyllia species in gentle currents and moderate light.

Feeding

The Hammerhead Wall Coral is photosynthetic, containing zooxanthellae that provide most of its nutrition. However, it benefits from regular supplemental feeding to promote growth and polyp expansion. Feed 1–2 times per week with:

• Mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood
• Enriched brine shrimp
• Coral plankton or LPS-targeted foods

Target feeding at night or in low flow allows the coral to efficiently capture food using its tentacles.

Lighting

Moderate lighting. Provide bright but indirect illumination from LED, T5, or hybrid systems.

• PAR range: 100–200 ¬µmol/m¬≤/s
• Avoid intense or direct light that may cause tissue retraction or bleaching.
• Under blue-spectrum lighting, colours intensify, and fluorescent pigments glow vividly.

Water Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle, alternating currents keep the tentacles moving gracefully and prevent debris buildup. Avoid strong, direct flow, which can damage the coral’s soft tissue and prevent full expansion.

Placement

• Position on lower to mid rockwork or substrate areas with moderate light and flow.
• Allow 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of space between this coral and its neighbours, as it will extend long sweeper tentacles (up to 7 cm / 3 in) at night to defend territory.
• Secure placement to avoid toppling — the wall skeleton is heavy and can damage nearby corals if disturbed.

Tank Mates

Reef safe with caution. Compatible with:

• Peaceful reef fish (clownfish, tangs, gobies, wrasses, etc.)
• Invertebrates such as snails, hermit crabs, and shrimp
• Other Euphyllia species of the same type (Wall to Wall), with adequate space

Avoid:

• Aggressive corals (e.g., Galaxea, Hydnophora, and other stinging LPS)
• Butterflyfish, angelfish, or puffers that may nip at polyps
• Close proximity to branching Euphyllia species (chemical incompatibility can occur)

Aggression

Moderately aggressive.Euphyllia species possess powerful sweeper tentacles and release mild toxins to defend their space. Maintain adequate distance between colonies and provide consistent water flow to dilute any chemical compounds.

Experience Level

Intermediate to advanced. The Wall Hammer Coral is hardier than many LPS species but more delicate than its branching relatives. It thrives under stable water conditions, gentle handling, and consistent lighting and flow.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Alkalinity (dKH): 8–12
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrate: <10 ppm
• Phosphate: <0.03 ppm
• Tank Size: Minimum 150 litres (40 gallons) for single colonies; larger tanks preferred for long-term growth

Stable alkalinity and calcium levels are crucial to prevent skeletal stress and tissue recession.

Reef Compatibility

Reef safe with caution. The Hammerhead Wall Coral makes a dramatic centrepiece for mixed reef aquariums. Its flowing movement and brilliant colours provide a dynamic focal point, though its long tentacles and sensitivity to handling demand careful placement. With stable conditions, it will thrive for years and form large, fleshy colonies that add natural motion and structure to the reefscape.

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Interesting Fact

The Wall Hammer Coral grows from a single continuous skeleton, unlike the Branching Hammer, which grows from multiple heads. This makes fragging more challenging — each colony must be carefully cut along natural skeletal lines to prevent tissue damage.