About Euphyllia Coral
Coral Euphyllia is a diverse genus of large polyp stony corals found throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, and extending from the Red Sea to the Philippines. These corals are among the most recognizable and sought-after species in the reef keeping hobby, each distinguished by their unique tentacle shapes and growth patterns.
The genus encompasses several popular species, each with distinctive characteristics. Hammer corals (Euphyllia ancora) feature hammer-shaped tentacles and Frogspawn corals (Euphyllia divisa) have multi-tipped tentacles resembling frog eggs, hence their name.
These corals exhibit two primary growth forms: branching varieties that grow in a tree-like formation with individual polyps on each branch tip, and wall varieties that form large, plate-like structures. Branching forms are more popular among hobbyists due to their faster growth rates, easier care requirements, and superior ability to recover from stress or disease.
One of the most remarkable features of Euphyllia corals is their aggressive nature through the extension of long sweeper tentacles, which they use to defend territory and compete for space on the reef. These sweeper tentacles can extend several inches beyond their normal reach and deliver potent stings to neighboring corals. Interestingly, different Euphyllia species exhibit varying compatibility - while most can coexist peacefully with their own genus members, Torch corals are notably aggressive even toward other Euphyllia species and require isolation.
Euphyllia corals come in an extraordinary range of colors including vibrant greens, purples, golds, oranges, blues, and spectacular rainbow combinations, with many varieties displaying fluorescent tips and gradient color transitions that create stunning visual displays under proper reef lighting.
Caring for Euphyllia Coral
To ensure the best results for your Euphyllia coral, please follow our suggestions on coral care below. It's important to test your tank's water often to ensure the parameters are within the correct range.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- Salinity: 1.025
- pH: 8.0-8.4
- Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
- Nitrate: <10 ppm (can tolerate slightly higher levels than other corals)
- Phosphate: <0.03 ppm (can tolerate slightly elevated nutrients)
Lighting
- Moderate lighting: 100-250 PAR recommended
- Placement: Lower to middle areas of the tank
Euphyllia corals do not require intense lighting and can thrive under moderate conditions. Most varieties prefer PAR levels between 100-250, though Torch corals tend to perform best at the higher end of this range (200-250 PAR).
These corals can be successfully grown under T5, LED, or metal halide lighting systems. Avoid placing them in high-intensity lighting zones as this can cause bleaching or stress.
Water Flow
Gentle to moderate indirect flow that creates graceful swaying motion without overwhelming the tentacles. Excessive flow can damage delicate tissues and prevent proper tentacle extension. The goal is to provide enough circulation to keep tissues clean and deliver nutrients while allowing the characteristic flowing movement that makes these corals so captivating.
Placement, Temperament, & Notes on Fish
Lower to middle tank placement is ideal for most Euphyllia species. These corals require generous spacing due to their aggressive sweeper tentacles, which can extend 6-12 inches from the base coral, especially at night. Plan for significant buffer zones around each specimen to prevent stinging of neighboring corals.
Euphyllia compatibility varies by species: Hammer, Frogspawn, and Octospawn corals can typically coexist peacefully and even touch without harm. However, Torch corals must be kept isolated from all other coral species, including other Euphyllia, as they will sting anything within reach.
Some clownfish species may adopt Euphyllia corals as surrogate anemones, but this relationship can stress the coral, causing polyps to retract and potentially leading to poor health. Consider providing appropriate anemones if clownfish hosting becomes problematic.
Avoid fish species known for nipping corals, such as butterflyfish, some angelfish, and rabbitfish. Also use caution with peppermint shrimp, which may damage fleshy LPS corals.
Feeding
While Euphyllia corals derive significant nutrition from their symbiotic zooxanthellae through photosynthesis, they are heterotrophic and require supplemental feeding for optimal health and growth. These corals benefit from regular feeding 2-3 times per week, preferably during evening hours when tentacles are fully extended.
Suitable foods include enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, specialized LPS coral foods, and amino acid supplements. Use a turkey baster or feeding tool to target feed individual polyps, temporarily reducing flow to allow proper food capture. These corals can accept relatively large food particles due to their substantial mouth openings.
Explore Our Euphyllia Coral Varieties
At Sanctuary Aquatics we have dozens of Euphyllia coral varieties to choose from. These magnificent LPS corals showcase an incredible spectrum of colors and forms that will transform your reef aquarium into a mesmerizing underwater garden. From classic green Hammer corals and golden Torch varieties to exotic rainbow Frogspawn, vibrant Octospawn morphs, and rare color variants featuring purples, oranges, and multicolored combinations.
Our selection includes both branching and wall varieties, with popular specimens like Holy Grail Hammers, Indo Gold Torches, Australian Frogspawn, and premium designer morphs that display extraordinary coloration and patterns. Each variety brings its own unique character and movement to your reef display.
With proper care, Euphyllia corals become the centerpiece of any reef aquarium, providing graceful movement, stunning colors, and remarkable growth that creates living sculptures within your tank. These corals are perfect for creating dedicated Euphyllia gardens or serving as spectacular focal points in mixed reef systems.
Get Started with Euphyllia Coral Today!
At Sanctuary Aquatics, we develop our Euphyllia coral knowledge from marine science research and years of hands-on reef keeping experience. We are dedicated to helping you succeed with your Euphyllia coral care, so contact us and we can provide the help and resources you need to create a successful coral tank! Our systems include dedicated Euphyllia-specific tanks with proper spacing and flow dynamics, ensuring these remarkable corals receive the specialized care they need to thrive and maintain their spectacular coloration and growth patterns.
Contact us today to see our Euphyllia coral selection and get personal advice for your saltwater aquarium needs. As always, be sure to check out our full saltwater coral collection here to see all the species we have available.
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