{"product_id":"gold-branch-hammer-coral","title":"Gold Branch Hammer Coral","description":"\u003ch3\u003eGold Branch Hammer Coral: The Captivating LPS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gold Branch Hammer Coral (Euphyllia paraancora) is a highly sought-after Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral in the reef-keeping hobby. It is characterized by its branching skeletal structure and long, fleshy polyps with distinctive tips shaped like a hammer or an anchor. The 'Gold Branch' variety features tentacles with vibrant, often fluorescent golden or yellow-tipped coloration, creating a spectacular showpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a branching variety, E. paraancora is generally easier to frag and often grows faster than its 'wall' counterpart (E. ancora). Its flowing polyps add dynamic movement to the aquarium. This coral is moderately hardy but requires stable water chemistry to thrive, making it suitable for intermediate aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all Euphyllia species, the Gold Branch Hammer Coral is considered a semi-aggressive coral due to its ability to extend long, potent sweeper tentacles at night to sting and defend its territory from neighboring corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e This coral is primarily Photosynthetic, relying on its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae for most of its energy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e While feeding is optional, the coral benefits significantly from occasional target feeding (1-3 times per week). Offer fine, meaty foods such as Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or specialized coral pellets\/powders to promote faster growth and enhanced coloration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires Moderate, Indirect Flow. The flow should be gentle enough to allow the polyps to sway naturally without forcing the tissue to constantly brush against the skeleton, which can cause tissue recession (or \"Brown Jelly Disease\" in extreme cases).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prefers Moderate Lighting (recommended PAR range of 100-150). High-intensity light can cause bleaching, so place the coral in the mid to lower regions of the tank, or slowly acclimate it to higher light levels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament \/ Placement:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is Semi-Aggressive. It should be placed at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from non-Euphyllia corals. Interestingly, most Euphyllia species (Hammers, Frogspawns, Torches) tolerate being placed close to one another, but monitoring is always advised.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stability is paramount. Maintain parameters within the ideal range: Salinity 1.024-1.026; Alkalinity 8-12 dKH; Calcium 400-450 ppm; Magnesium 1250-1350 ppm. It prefers a low-to-moderate nutrient system (Nitrate 2-10 ppm, Phosphate \u0026lt;0.07 ppm).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Euphyllia paraancora\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Common Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold Branch Hammer Coral\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther Common Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Branching Hammer Coral, Anchor Coral, Golden Hammer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific (Widespread)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Structure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Branching LPS (Large Polyp Stony)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-Aggressive (\u003cstrong\u003eStrong Sting\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate (100-150 PAR)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate (Indirect\/Turbulent)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30+ Gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution (Requires space from other corals)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SDC","offers":[{"title":"Per Polyp","offer_id":67703567482970,"sku":"hpd1791986440377","price":39.83,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0738\/0225\/2378\/files\/gold-branch-hammer-coral_1.webp?v=1791986445","url":"https:\/\/softdrapefit.shop\/products\/gold-branch-hammer-coral","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}