Coral species · Hammer Coral

Fimbriaphyllia ancora

Anchor-shaped tentacle tips on a flowing colony: a much-loved LPS, formerly Euphyllia ancora.

Overview

Fimbriaphyllia ancora, the hammer coral, was recently moved from Euphyllia into Fimbriaphyllia along with the frogspawn coral, and you will still see it sold under its former name. It is one of the most popular large polyp stony corals in the hobby.

Colonies grow in either branching or wall-type forms, both covered in fleshy tentacles that move gently in the current.

Appearance and colour

Each tentacle ends in a distinctive hammer or anchor-shaped tip. Common colourations include green, gold and purple, with tips in contrasting cream, yellow or bright green.

Care in the aquarium

Hammer corals prefer moderate light and moderate, alternating flow. They accept small meaty foods, though healthy colonies do well without heavy feeding. They are generally less aggressive than torch corals and can often sit near other Fimbriaphyllia, but keep them clear of unrelated species.

At a glance

Hammer Coral

Type LPS (large polyp stony)
Also known as Hammer coral, anchor coral (formerly Euphyllia ancora)
Lighting Moderate
Water flow Moderate
Placement Middle of the reef
Feeding Small meaty foods
Care level Easy to moderate
Temperament Moderately aggressive

Every coral is unique. Photos are representative of the species; each colony varies in shape, size and colour.

Responsibly sourced

How we source Fimbriaphyllia ancora

Our corals are collected on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, from the northern areas of the Reef down to Bundaberg, our home. Our diving collection vessels are equipped for long-distance travel, so we can find the best corals and keep them in pristine condition on the way to our holding facility.

Jeremy leads our harvesting team, which is extensively trained in safe, sustainable collecting techniques. We work to a strictly limited quota across broad reef areas within specific zones, taking small numbers of corals of limited size and premium quality and leaving the majority of the coral intact.

At our Bundaberg holding facility, Travis and the team fine-tune feeding, lighting and husbandry so every coral is in top condition before it is carefully packed and shipped. Our growing aquaculture program supports our vision of offering a 100% aquacultured source of premium corals.

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Limited, selective harvest

A strictly limited quota, taken from broad reef areas in specific zones. Small numbers, limited sizes and premium quality.

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Stewardship and certification

We participate in Provision Reef, an industry stewardship program, and maintain CITES certification for responsible sourcing.

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Towards 100% aquacultured

Our growing aquaculture program in Bundaberg supports our vision of a fully aquacultured source of premium corals.

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