Orange with Purple Stem Hammer Coral

The Orange with Purple Stem Hammer is a striking Euphyllia variety that pairs warm, vibrant orange tentacle tips with rich purple stems for exceptional contrast and depth. Under reef lighting, the colour separation becomes even more pronounced, while the classic hammer-shaped tips deliver the flowing, hypnotic movement hammer corals are loved for.

This colour combination makes it an outstanding focal coral, offering bold colour without overwhelming surrounding livestock — perfect for mixed reefs and LPS-dominant displays.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

Hammer corals (Euphyllia ancora / Euphyllia parancora) originate from the Indo-Pacific region and are commonly found across:

• Indonesia

• Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

• Fiji and Tonga

• The Philippines

• Central and Western Pacific reef systems

In the wild, hammer corals inhabit protected reef slopes and lagoon environments where lighting is moderate and water movement is gentle to moderate.

A Brief History

Euphyllia corals have been staples of the reef hobby for decades due to their flowing movement, relative hardiness, and strong visual presence. Bi-colour hammer morphs — particularly those combining warm tips with darker stems — have become increasingly popular as modern LED lighting enhances colour contrast and fluorescence.

Appearance & Growth

Classified as an LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral, the Orange with Purple Stem Hammer features branching skeletons topped with fleshy, hammer-shaped tentacles.

• Bright orange tentacle tips

• Deep purple stems

• Classic hammer-shaped ends

• Gentle, rhythmic movement in moderate flow

• Subtle to moderate fluorescence under blue lighting

Growth occurs through branching, with additional heads forming steadily under stable conditions.

Placement & Lighting

Hammer corals thrive under moderate lighting and thoughtful placement.

• Lighting: Medium

• Best placed in the lower to mid areas of the aquarium

• Gradual acclimation recommended when increasing light intensity

Flow Requirements

Provide moderate, indirect flow.

• Enough movement to keep tentacles gently swaying

• Avoid strong, direct laminar flow which can damage tissue

A smooth, alternating flow pattern works best.

Water Chemistry

Stable water parameters are essential for Euphyllia health.

Maintain consistent levels of:

• Alkalinity

• Calcium

• Magnesium

Hammer corals prefer low to moderate nutrients and benefit from overall system stability rather than frequent parameter swings.

Feeding

Primarily photosynthetic, hammer corals benefit from occasional supplemental feeding.

• Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood

• LPS pellets or coral-specific meaty foods

Feed sparingly 1–2 times per week when tentacles are extended.

Temperament & Spacing

Hammer corals are semi-aggressive and may extend sweeper tentacles.

• Allow several inches of space from neighbouring corals

• Avoid placing near delicate or easily stung species

• Can coexist with other Euphyllia when given adequate room

Frag Size & Natural Variation

• Frag size: Typically 1–2 heads (unless otherwise stated)

• Colour intensity and stem contrast may vary depending on lighting and tank conditions.

Care Summary

• Care Level: Moderate

• Flow: Medium (indirect)

• Lighting: Medium

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive