Why is my Branching Hammer Coral not opening fully?

Lack of polyp extension is usually caused by excessive water flow, overly intense lighting, or unstable water parameters (especially alkalinity). Ensure the coral is situated in gentle, indirect flow and that water chemistry is strictly maintained.

Can this coral touch other corals in the tank?

Generally, no. It possesses potent stinging sweeper tentacles that will harm or kill most unrelated corals. However, it can often be placed next to other Fimbriaphyllia species, such as Branching Frogspawn, with a much lower risk of conflict.

How do I safely frag a Branching Hammer Coral?

Fragging is relatively straightforward compared to wall-type corals. Using sharp bone cutters or a coral saw, confidently snip the hard skeletal branch at least 3 to 4 cm below the fleshy polyp head to avoid tearing any living tissue.

Do I need to feed my Hammer Coral?

While it can survive purely on photosynthesis and ambient tank nutrients, target feeding it with appropriate LPS foods or mysis shrimp 1-2 times a week will dramatically increase its growth rate, colouration, and overall health.

Why are the tentacles turning white or transparent?

This is known as coral bleaching, which occurs when the coral expels its symbiotic zooxanthellae due to extreme stress. The most common culprits are sudden temperature spikes, prolonged poor water quality, or being exposed to excessively bright lighting without adequate acclimation.

MarineCoralsIntermediate

Branching Hammer Coral

Fimbriaphyllia paraancora

A captivating and deeply popular Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral known for its fleshy, anchor-shaped tentacles and branching skeletal structure.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 26 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 14 – 21 dGH
Salinity: 1.024 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 15 – 30 cm
Minimum recommended volume for a mature colony: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 50 years
Diet: Photosynthetic and Zooplanktivorous
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Established reef aquarium with stable parameters and plenty of clearance from neighbouring corals

About the Branching Hammer Coral

The Branching Hammer Coral, historically known as Euphyllia paraancora but now correctly classified as Fimbriaphyllia paraancora, is an iconic species among reef aquarists. Distinguished by its tubular tentacles tipped with hammer or T-shaped ends, it adds tremendous movement and vivid fluorescence to the marine aquarium. Unlike its wall-forming cousin, the branching variety grows distinct individual skeletal stalks, making it inherently easier to propagate and slightly more forgiving when dealing with localised tissue damage.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Branching Hammer Coral comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Oceania

Countries / regions

Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, Fiji, Solomon Islands

Habitat

Turbid water reef slopes, sheltered lagoons, and protected bays with gentle currents.

Commonly cultured in aquaculture facilities worldwide to reduce pressure on wild populations.

Similar species

Wall Hammer Coral
Fimbriaphyllia ancora
Branching Frogspawn Coral
Fimbriaphyllia paradivisa
Torch Coral
Fimbriaphyllia glabrescens

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Banggai Cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
Peaceful, mid-water swimmers that will not bother the coral's polyps.
Great
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Often attempt to adopt Large Polyp Stony corals as hosts; if the coral is too small, constant rubbing may cause tissue recession.
Compatible with caution
Peppermint Shrimp
Lysmata wurdemanni
Known to occasionally pick at the fleshy tissue of LPS corals, especially if underfed.
Compatible with caution
Emperor Angelfish
Pomacanthus imperator
Large angelfish are notorious for nipping and consuming the fleshy polyps of stony corals.
Not recommended
Butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae
Most butterflyfish are obligate or opportunistic corallivores and will quickly decimate the coral.
Not recommended

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