Dragon Scales Hammer Coral

The Dragon Scales Hammer Coral, a variant of Euphyllia ancora, is a favourite among reef keepers for its striking appearance and lively movement. This LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral brings a unique texture and form to a reef aquarium, making it a focal point in any display. It’s a classic for a reason, offering both beauty and a manageable care routine.

This particular specimen measures approximately 8cm. Dragon Scales Hammers are known for their distinct appearance, with rounded, hammer-shaped polyps that extend from a calcareous skeleton. The polyps sway gently with water flow, revealing subtle shifts in colouration, much like the scales of a mythical creature. The overall colour is a deep, textured hue that adds depth to the reef environment.

Caring for a Hammer Coral is straightforward. They thrive under moderate PAR lighting, ideally between 75-150 PAR, and prefer moderate, indirect water flow to keep their polyps clean and encourage expansion without tearing the delicate tissues. Placement on the sand bed or lower to mid-rockwork is generally suitable. While they host zooxanthellae for their nutritional needs, occasional feeding with target-fed meaty foods like mysis shrimp or copepods can promote faster growth and better health. Maintain stable water parameters: Calcium 400-440 ppm, Alkalinity 8-9 dKH, and Magnesium 1300-1400 ppm. Ensure adequate spacing from other corals, as their sweepers can sting.

This coral makes an excellent addition for aquarists looking to add vibrant movement and substantial polyp structure. Its distinctive.

This is a WYSIWYG item, so you'll receive the exact specimen pictured.

Please note that colours can look slightly different in person than in photos, depending on your lighting and screen, and the size given is an approximate guide measured at the time of listing.

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.