QUICK STATS

Care Level: Moderate
Coral Type: LPS Coral
Lighting Requirement: Low to Moderate
Flow: Low to Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Placement: Lower to Middle Rockwork / Sandbed
Growth Rate: Moderate
Reef-Safe: Yes

SOUR APPLE HAMMER CORAL

The Sour Apple Hammer Coral (Euphyllia / Fimbriaphyllia sp.) is a bright and eye-catching LPS coral known for its vibrant green coloration and soft, flowing hammer-shaped tentacles. Its bold “sour apple” glow makes it a strong choice for reef keepers looking to add movement, color, and that classic Euphyllia sway to their aquarium.

Under blue and actinic lighting, Sour Apple Hammer can develop an intense fluorescent green appearance that stands out beautifully against darker rockwork and other coral colors. Its fleshy polyps extend during the day and move gently with the current, giving the reef a more natural, flowing look. Tiny glowing tentacle tree, because apparently that’s what we’ve all agreed is normal decor now.

Hammer corals are generally hardy once established, but they prefer stable water parameters and should not be placed in overly strong flow. Too much direct flow can cause the polyps to stay retracted or damage the coral’s tissue. Moderate, indirect movement is best to keep the tentacles gently swaying without blasting them into a tiny coral identity crisis.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The coral you receive may vary slightly in size, color, branch structure, polyp extension, and overall appearance. This format is adapted from your uploaded product-page template.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

LIGHTING

The Sour Apple Hammer does best under low to moderate lighting. A general target range of around 75-150 PAR is a good starting point for most reef aquariums.

Too much light too quickly can cause stress or bleaching, especially if the coral is coming from lower-light conditions. If placing it under stronger lighting, start lower in the tank and gradually move it upward if needed. Corals do not appreciate surprise tanning beds, oddly enough.

FLOW

Low to moderate indirect flow is recommended. The tentacles should gently sway, not whip around aggressively.

Avoid placing hammer corals directly in front of a powerhead or strong return flow. Excessive flow can damage the soft tissue against the skeleton, which is exactly as unpleasant as it sounds.

PLACEMENT

Hammer Coral can be placed on the sandbed or lower to middle rockwork, depending on lighting and flow.

Give it enough space from neighboring corals, as hammer corals can extend sweeper tentacles and sting nearby coral. It may look soft and friendly, but it is still an LPS coral with personal boundaries and tiny chemical weapons.

WATER PARAMETERS

Stable water quality is important for long-term success with hammer corals. They can tolerate some normal reef variation, but sudden swings are where things get stupid and expensive.

Temperature: 75-78°F
pH Level: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: 1.024-1.026 specific gravity
Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
Calcium: 400-450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
Nitrate: 5-20 ppm
Phosphate: 0.03-0.10 ppm

FEEDING

Hammer Coral receives much of its energy from photosynthesis, but occasional feeding can support growth and overall health.

RECOMMENDED FOODS

Coral Foods: Small meaty coral foods, reef roids-style powdered foods, or fine LPS foods can be offered occasionally.

Frozen Foods: Small pieces of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or finely chopped marine foods may be accepted when the coral’s feeding response is active.

FEEDING FREQUENCY

Feed 1-2 times per week if desired. Feeding is optional in a healthy reef tank, but it can help encourage growth and fuller extension.

Avoid overfeeding, because nutrient spikes are how reef tanks remind us that joy has consequences.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Hammer Coral should be given space from nearby corals due to its semi-aggressive nature. Avoid placing it too close to other Euphyllia or LPS corals unless you are confident they will tolerate each other.

This coral may remain partially closed for a short period after shipping, transport, dipping, or placement. Once settled into stable lighting and flow, it should begin extending normally.

This is NOT a WYSIWYG listing unless otherwise stated. Photos are intended to represent the approximate coloration, size, and overall appearance of the coral or parent colony. Color and appearance may vary depending on lighting spectrum, intensity, nutrients, flow, and aquarium conditions.