Hologram Hammer Coral, Vibrant LPS Showpiece for Moderate-Light Reef Aquariums and Gentle Indirect Flow

Hologram Hammer Coral brings flowing movement and visual interest to a reef aquarium through its distinctive hammer- or anchor-shaped tentacles. This large polyp stony coral is suited to a thoughtfully maintained marine display.

Native to Indo-Pacific reef environments, hammer corals occur around lagoons and reef slopes where diffused light and moderate water movement create sheltered conditions for their extending tentacles.

This semi-aggressive coral can become a striking focal point, but its long sweeper tentacles may sting nearby corals. Allow adequate space around it and monitor its position as it settles into the aquarium.

Key Features

• Prefers moderate lighting in a PAR range of 75–150, with gradual acclimation when introduced to a new lighting environment.
• Requires moderate, indirect water flow that lets the tentacles sway gently without exposure to strong direct currents that may cause tissue damage or retraction.
• Relies substantially on symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy and may benefit from supplemental fine-particle foods and occasional target feeding with mysis shrimp.
• Adapts to LED, T5 fluorescent, and metal-halide reef lighting when intensity and placement are appropriate.
• Displays coloration influenced by lighting, water quality, feeding, and stable aquarium conditions.

Specifications

• Species identification: Euphyllia ancora
• Coral type: Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Recommended light: Moderate, 75–150 PAR
• Recommended flow: Moderate and indirect
• Temperature: 75–80°F
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrates: 5–15 ppm
• Phosphates: Below 0.10 ppm
• Origin range: Indo-Pacific region

Acclimate carefully by floating the bag for 15–20 minutes, gradually introducing aquarium water, and beginning in a lower-light position. Increase lighting over two to three weeks, mount the coral securely on rockwork or a ledge, maintain stable chemistry, and avoid strong direct flow. Regularly watch for tissue retraction, bleaching, polyp bailout, or signs of brown jelly disease.