Range: Tropical Indo and Western Pacific Ocean, and the Red Sea

Natural Environment: This photosynthetic stony coral with very large fleshy polyps is found in shallow, often turbid reef environments receiving gentle wave action, where it forms large colonies, often with others in its genus. Its long fleshy polyps are fully extended during daytime and partially retracted during nighttime, at which time very long sweeper tentacles are displayed in an effort to clear a path for expansion of the colony. Its also a suspension feeder and will take available plankton-like foodstuffs day or night. Usually pale brown or green with the tips of the tentacles an intense green or light brown color.

General Husbandry: Tentacles are tipped with a T-shaped projection similar to Thor's hammer or an anchor-like projection, thus the name Anchor or Hammer Coral. "Do not" place in areas receiving strong direct light from metal halide lamps or a forceful water flow. That would damage its polyps and very possibly lead to rapid tissue necrosis (RTN) and the demise of the specimen. This species is mostly found in murky waters, therefore placing the specimen in a similar aquarium environment is extremely important, e.g., indirect light from metal halide lamps or moderate direct light from fluorescent lamps and where a gentle current will keep its long tube-like tentacles moving without undue stress.

Also of great importance is that this coral displays very long sweeper tentacles that 'will' kill or greatly injure/damage most other corals that it touches. So leave sufficient space downstream from it. However, it can co-mingle without any tissue damage with E. divisa.

Occasional feeding, e.g., once per week, with meaty foodstuffs such as fortified brine shrimp, mysis, rotifers, and/or products containing Cyclop-eeze or similar foodstuffs appear quite beneficial, yet not necessary for its continued wellbeing.

Even though this coral is quite common in the trade, it's not always easy to maintain as it's often placed poorly in some aquaria. Keep in mind that most specimens found in stores are pieces broken off the original colony, which often tears its flesh, thereby opening the new specimen to infection. Add to that shipping stress and it often becomes difficult to find healthy specimens. Nevertheless, if one is found it makes for a good addition to most reef aquaria. And if RTN does develop, I treat with a diluted solution of Lugols iodine. I begin by first preparing a 'liter' of aquarium water containing 8 drops of Lugols iodine and mixing well. If feasible, I also prepare a small holding container (hospital tank), such as a glass fish bowl or small aquarium, just large enough to house the cleaned specimen. It is filled with aquarium water that has 4 drops of Lugols iodine added to it per 'gallon.' It has no substrate, but does contain a small powerhead for circulation and is moderately lit. When fully prepared, I remove the infected specimen and over an empty pail, used a soft brush and the prepared liter solution to remove as much brown jelly as possible. Then use a turkey baster filled with the remaining 8-drop solution and squirt only those brushed areas while continuing to hold the specimen over the empty pail. The specimen is then placed in the hospital tank, which should have the same pH, specific gravity, and temperature of the aquarium. It remains there, with 10% water changes (using water from the show aquarium with no additional Lugols) every other day until I'm sure the brown jelly infestation has ceased. If necessary, I'll repeat the cleaning process. I've found the sanitizing effect of the Lugols to often quickly end the invasion of brown jelly.

It has been reported that in aquariums' containing some leather corals, i.e., Sinularia species, Euphyllia spp. do not always fair well, possibly because of the chemicals released by some Sinularia species. Personally, those in my past aquariums along with various Sinularia species have not experienced a similar fate. But its worth mentioning nevertheless.

Water quality requirements are: Calcium 380 – 430 ppm, Alkalinity 3.5 meq/l, pH 8.1 – 8.2, Specific Gravity 1.025, and a temperature range of 74 to 83°F (23 – 28°C).