Blue Gusher Hammer Coral (Fimbriaphyllia ancora)

The Blue Gusher Hammer Coral is a distinctive LPS coral prized for its fleshy hammer-shaped polyps and cool blue-to-teal coloration. When fully expanded, its broad tentacles create a dense, flowing appearance that adds both color and movement to the reef. Under blue-spectrum aquarium lighting, the fluorescent tones can become more pronounced while the darker areas between the polyps provide additional contrast.

As a wall-forming hammer coral, Fimbriaphyllia ancora develops connected fleshy polyps along a continuous skeletal structure rather than producing individual branching heads. This growth form creates an impressive, full appearance but also means the tissue should be handled carefully, particularly around the exposed skeletal edges. The Blue Gusher variety is an excellent choice for reef keepers looking for a premium Euphyllia-type centerpiece with cooler coloration.

Recommended Care

Scientific Name: Fimbriaphyllia ancora
Common Name: Blue Gusher Hammer Coral, Wall Hammer Coral
Care Level: Moderate
Lighting: Moderate — approximately 75–150 PAR
Water Flow: Low to Moderate — gentle, indirect and varied flow that allows the polyps to sway without being forcefully pushed against the skeleton
Placement: Lower to Middle aquarium
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Growth Form: Wall-forming LPS with continuous skeletal growth
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; occasional supplemental feeding with appropriately sized coral foods is beneficial

Placement & Flow

Place the Blue Gusher Hammer Coral on stable lower-to-middle rockwork where its fleshy polyps have sufficient room to expand. Wall hammers can be more sensitive to tissue damage than their branching relatives, so avoid locations where the expanded tissue can repeatedly rub against rockwork or neighboring corals.

Provide low to moderate, indirect flow. The polyps should gently sway rather than remain pinned in one direction or retract under excessive water movement.

Hammer corals can extend sweeper tentacles and sting nearby corals, particularly after the lights go out. Leave several inches of open space around the colony and additional room as it grows.

Lighting

The Blue Gusher Hammer Coral generally performs well under moderate reef lighting in the 75–150 PAR range. Excessively intense lighting is unnecessary and may cause stress if the coral has not been properly acclimated.

When introducing the coral to a brighter aquarium, begin at a lower-light position and gradually increase exposure. Blue-spectrum lighting can emphasize its blue, teal, and fluorescent pigments, while a balanced reef spectrum provides a more natural representation of its coloration.

Feeding

The Blue Gusher Hammer Coral is primarily photosynthetic, receiving much of its energy from symbiotic dinoflagellates within its tissue. Regular supplemental feeding is not required for survival when lighting and water chemistry are appropriate, but occasional feeding can support healthy tissue and growth.

Small portions of mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine foods, or appropriately sized LPS coral foods can be offered when the coral displays a feeding response. Avoid oversized foods and excessive feeding.

With its flowing hammer-shaped polyps, cool blue coloration, and substantial wall-forming growth, the Blue Gusher Hammer Coral makes an impressive addition to an established reef aquarium. Its combination of movement and contrasting color gives it excellent centerpiece potential while maintaining the classic appearance that makes hammer corals so desirable.