There are two species groups. One forming "phaceloid" colonies, containing the species E. glabrescens, E. paradivisa, E. paraancora, and E. paraglabrescens. The second group (originally described as E. fimbriata), forming "flabellomeandroid" colonies, appears to include E. divisa, E. ancora and possibly E. yaeyamaensis .if that remains as a valid species.
This probably does not have much importance where hobbyists are concerned because there are only three species of interest to most marine hobbyists, i.e., E. ancora commonly called Hammer or Anchor Coral; E. glabrescens called Torch Coral; and, E. divisa called Frogspawn, Wall Coral, or Zig-Zag. I've also shown what I believe to be E. paraancora.
All have stinging cells known as nematocysts on their tentacles that allow it to capture small pray as foodstuffs or defend itself from potential predators. They also contain zooxanthellae and in the presence of light are capable of photosynthesizing and internally producing some of its own foodstuffs. Occasional feeding with brine shrimp, glass worms, or other meaty foodstuffs is recommended.
Anchor and Frogspawn have what is termed "sweeper" tentacles that extend far beyond their body mass and sting anything they touch. They are basically used to clear new areas for future growth. These sweepers are a good reason not to place these corals too close to other corals in the aquarium.
They all prefer medium light intensity, will do well under either indirect metal halide or fluorescent, gentle to medium water circulation, and will not tolerate hair algae. Many times found in lagoons with muddy substrates and turbid water. Not an easy coral to maintain, and seems to be susceptible to bacteria/fungal infections. E. divisa and E. ancora may be accepted as an anemone by some clownfishes. All are susceptible to RTN, and if so can be dipped in freshwater, same temperature and pH as the aquarium for one minute. Many times this will cure the problem. The effected coral should then be placed back in the aquarium in a place where there is better water movement than where it was originally.
They are also collected by breaking away pieces of the original colony and therefore are susceptible to infection in shipment. Both E. ancora and E. divisa can co-mingle without any tissue damage to the other.
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