
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fimbriaphyllia paraancora
A hammer coral whose tentacle tips swell into T-shaped hammers, with a branching rather than wall-forming skeleton. Each branch can be separated, making it easy to frag and very popular.
Fimbriaphyllia paraancora is a large-polyp stony coral of the family Euphylliidae from the Indo-West Pacific. Hammer corals are recognised by tentacle tips that swell sideways like a hammer head, and this species is distinguished from the wall hammer F. ancora by its branching, phaceloid skeleton with polyps on the tips of separate branches. Because individual branches can be cut off it is easy to aquaculture and frag, and green, gold and purple colour forms are widely traded. It is one of the easier corals to keep, suiting moderate lighting and gentle low to moderate flow; under strong direct current the tentacles stay closed. At night it extends long sweeper tentacles that attack neighbouring corals, so ample spacing is needed. As a scleractinian it falls under CITES Appendix II and import requires a permit.
The ideal temperature for the Branching Hammer Coral is 24〜27℃.
Origin
Coral reefs of the Indo-West Pacific
Temperature
24〜27℃
Photosynthesis via zooxanthellae plus zooplankton feeding
Moderate LED lighting; acclimate gradually because strong light causes colour loss.
Gentle low to moderate flow; a strong direct jet keeps the tentacles from opening.
Sources: Wikipedia: Reef aquarium (water parameters) / AlgaeBarn: A Quick Guide to LPS and SPS / AlgaeBarn: LPS-Dominant Systems
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Fimbriaphyllia paraancora (Veron, 1990)
Synonyms: Euphyllia paraancora, Fimbriaphyllia parancora
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Domestic law: Collecting in Japanese waters is governed by each prefecture's fisheries adjustment regulations, which differ by prefecture. Okinawa Prefecture's regulations ban the collection of reef-building corals, including stony corals (Scleractinia), organ-pipe corals (Tubiporidae) and blue coral (Helioporacea); this covers corals naturally attached to quays or ropes, broken fragments lying on the seabed, and skeletons. Possessing or selling illegally collected corals is also banned. Cultured corals are exempt, and the prefecture advises buyers to confirm that a coral is cultured, on an artificial base or tagged.
Scleractinia (Fimbriaphyllia paraancora, Euphylliidae). CITES Appendix II.
Sources: DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Keep 24-27 C with KH 7-12 and calcium 400-450 ppm, held stable.
Feeding zooplankton or pellets once or twice a week improves growth and colour.
Nocturnal sweeper tentacles sting neighbours. As a scleractinian it is CITES Appendix II.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Branching Hammer Coral is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Branching Hammer Coral feeds on: Photosynthesis via zooxanthellae plus zooplankton feeding. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Branching Hammer Coral varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 25, 2026