Hologram Branching Hammer
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The Hologram Branching Hammer coral features green tentacles with gradient tips transitioning from yellow to purple, adding a striking multicolor effect. This branching LPS coral thrives in moderate light and low to moderate flow, enabling its polyps to extend and sway elegantly. It has a branching growth pattern, making it an attractive and space-filling addition to reef tanks. Relatively easy to care for, this coral is well-suited for intermediate aquarists.
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Scientific Name |
Euphyllia Parancora |
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Waterflow |
Medium |
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Lighting |
Medium |
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Temperament |
Semi-Agressive |
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Care Level |
Easy |
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Placement |
Middle to Bottom |
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Purchase Size |
1 Head |
Hammer, Frogspawn, and Octospawn corals are large polyp stony (LPS) corals prized for their flowing, branching polyps and vibrant colors. These corals add movement and texture to reef aquariums, making them standout centerpiece species. With moderate lighting, gentle water flow, and occasional feeding, these Euphyllia corals thrive and create dynamic displays.
Description
Common Names: Hammer Coral, Frogspawn Coral, Octospawn Coral
Scientific Name: Euphyllia ancora (Hammer) / Euphyllia divisa (Frogspawn) / Euphyllia paraancora (Octospawn)
Family: Euphylliidae
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals)
Difficulty: Moderate
Note on Differentiation
- Hammer Coral: Polyps are elongated and U- or T-shaped, resembling a hammer. Branches are thicker and more compact.
- Frogspawn Coral: Polyps have rounded, grape-like tips that bounce in the current. Colonies branch more extensively.
- Octospawn Coral: Polyps resemble frogspawn, but with thicker branches covered with non-branching tips.
All three corals have stinging sweeper tentacles, so colonies should be spaced apart from other euphyllia to avoid coral conflicts.
Native Habitat & Distribution
Found throughout the Indo-Pacific on reef slopes and lagoon areas with moderate water flow.
Aquarium Care & Setup
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
Lighting: Moderate, 50–150 PAR
Flow: Moderate, gentle enough to allow polyp movement without causing damage
Placement: Rockwork or sandbed with space for polyp extension
Care Tips & Feeding
• Feeding: Target feed 1–3 times per week with mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or coral-specific pellets
• Growth Pattern: Branching colonies with flowing polyps; slow to moderate growth
• Tankmates: Compatible with peaceful reef fish and invertebrates; avoid aggressive coral neighbors
• Behavior: Polyps expand day and night, waving gracefully in the current
For more information, check out our Hammer & Frogspawn Care Guide.
Are Hammer, Frogspawn, and Octospawn corals easy to keep?
Yes, moderately hardy with stable water parameters and moderate lighting.
Do they need to be fed?
Now, however occasional target feeding 1–3 times per week encourages polyp extension and growth.
What lighting do they need?
Moderate lighting (50–150 PAR). Too much light can bleach polyps; too little can reduce coloration.
Where should I place them in my tank?
Rockwork or sandbed with moderate flow, leaving space around colonies to prevent stinging neighbors.
Will they sting other corals?
Yes, they are semi-aggressive with sweeper tentacles at night. Proper spacing prevents coral conflicts.
How fast do they grow?
Growth is slow to moderate, depending on lighting, flow, and feeding. Colonies expand gradually over time.