Rosie Red Hammer Coral

The Rosie Red Hammer is a vibrant and characterful LPS coral prized for its warm red to rose-toned colouration and classic hammer-shaped tentacles. When fully extended, this coral displays beautiful movement as its fleshy tips sway gently in the current, adding both colour and motion to the reef aquarium.

Hammer corals are well known for their balance of visual impact and manageable care, making the Rosie Red Hammer an excellent choice for reef keepers looking to introduce bold colour without stepping into high-maintenance territory.

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 are typically found on protected reef slopes and lagoon environments with moderate lighting and gentle to moderate water movement.

A Brief History

Euphyllia corals have been staples of the reef hobby for decades, valued for their flowing movement, relative hardiness, and compatibility in mixed reef systems. Red and rose-toned hammer varieties have become increasingly popular as modern lighting has enhanced their colour depth and fluorescence, making morphs like the Rosie Red Hammer especially desirable.

Appearance & Growth

Classified as an LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral, the Rosie Red Hammer features thick skeletal branches topped with fleshy, hammer-shaped tentacles.

• Warm red to rose-pink coloration

• Classic hammer-shaped tentacle tips

• Gentle, flowing movement

• Subtle to moderate fluorescence under blue lighting

Growth occurs through branching, with new heads forming over time under stable conditions.

Placement & Lighting

Hammer corals adapt well to a range of placements but prefer moderate conditions.

• Lighting: Medium

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

• Too much light can reduce extension; acclimation is recommended

Flow Requirements

Provide moderate, indirect flow.

• Enough movement to keep tentacles gently swaying

• Avoid strong or direct laminar flow which can damage tissue

A rhythmic, back-and-forth motion is ideal.

Water Chemistry

Stable 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

While largely 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 placement near delicate or easily stung species

• Can coexist with other Euphyllia if given adequate room

Frag Size & Natural Variation

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

• Colour tone and tentacle shape may vary depending on lighting and tank conditions.

Care Summary

• Care Level: Moderate

• Flow: Medium (indirect)

• Lighting: Medium

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive