Description
Euphyllia parancora, known as the Branching Hammer Coral, is one of the most iconic and beloved LPS corals in the marine aquarium world. Distinguished by its hammer- or anchor-shaped tentacle tips and branching skeletal structure, this coral adds mesmerizing movement and soft, rhythmic motion to any reef display. Under actinic or blue-spectrum lighting, its tentacles shimmer with shades of fluorescent green, gold, and occasionally purple or mint, giving the coral a dynamic, breathing appearance.
Origin: Indo-Pacific – Indonesia, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef
Depth: 5–35 m (15–115 ft)
Lighting: Moderate – thrives under blue or mixed-spectrum LED lighting; avoid excessive intensity
Flow: Moderate and indirect – enough movement to gently sway the polyps without causing retraction
Placement: Lower to mid-levels with ample space between colonies to prevent stinging; avoid direct contact with other LPS
Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Feeding: Optional but beneficial – accepts small meaty foods such as mysis or enriched brine shrimp
Aggression Level: High – capable of extending long sweeper tentacles at night
Growth Rate: Moderate – branches steadily under stable conditions
Care Level: Intermediate – tolerant but sensitive to rapid parameter shifts
