Gold Branch Hammer Coral

Gold Branch Hammer Coral: The Captivating LPS

The Gold Branch Hammer Coral (Euphyllia paraancora) is a highly sought-after Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral in the reef-keeping hobby. It is characterized by its branching skeletal structure and long, fleshy polyps with distinctive tips shaped like a hammer or an anchor. The 'Gold Branch' variety features tentacles with vibrant, often fluorescent golden or yellow-tipped coloration, creating a spectacular showpiece.

As a branching variety, E. paraancora is generally easier to frag and often grows faster than its 'wall' counterpart (E. ancora). Its flowing polyps add dynamic movement to the aquarium. This coral is moderately hardy but requires stable water chemistry to thrive, making it suitable for intermediate aquarists.

Like all Euphyllia species, the Gold Branch Hammer Coral is considered a semi-aggressive coral due to its ability to extend long, potent sweeper tentacles at night to sting and defend its territory from neighboring corals.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic, relying on its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae for most of its energy.
• Feeding: While feeding is optional, the coral benefits significantly from occasional target feeding (1-3 times per week). Offer fine, meaty foods such as Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or specialized coral pellets/powders to promote faster growth and enhanced coloration.
• Water Flow: Requires Moderate, Indirect Flow. The flow should be gentle enough to allow the polyps to sway naturally without forcing the tissue to constantly brush against the skeleton, which can cause tissue recession (or "Brown Jelly Disease" in extreme cases).
• Lighting: Prefers Moderate Lighting (recommended PAR range of 100-150). High-intensity light can cause bleaching, so place the coral in the mid to lower regions of the tank, or slowly acclimate it to higher light levels.
• Temperament / Placement: It is Semi-Aggressive. It should be placed at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from non-Euphyllia corals. Interestingly, most Euphyllia species (Hammers, Frogspawns, Torches) tolerate being placed close to one another, but monitoring is always advised.
• Water Parameters: Stability is paramount. Maintain parameters within the ideal range: Salinity 1.024-1.026; Alkalinity 8-12 dKH; Calcium 400-450 ppm; Magnesium 1250-1350 ppm. It prefers a low-to-moderate nutrient system (Nitrate 2-10 ppm, Phosphate <0.07 ppm).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Euphyllia paraancora
• Primary Common Name: Gold Branch Hammer Coral
• Other Common Names: Branching Hammer Coral, Anchor Coral, Golden Hammer
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Growth Structure: Branching LPS (Large Polyp Stony)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (Strong Sting)
• Lighting Needs: Moderate (100-150 PAR)
• Water Flow: Moderate (Indirect/Turbulent)
• Minimum Tank Size: 30+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Requires space from other corals)