Toxic Green Branching Hammer
Toxic Green Branching Hammer
Toxic Green Branching Hammer (Fimbriaphyllia paraancora)
The Toxic Green Branching Hammer is a vibrant LPS coral prized for its intense fluorescent green coloration, flowing movement, and classic hammer-shaped polyps. Under blue-heavy reef lighting, its electric green color creates an incredible glow that makes it an easy standout in both LPS and mixed reef aquariums.
As a branching variety of Fimbriaphyllia paraancora, individual heads grow along separate skeletal branches, gradually developing into a full multi-head colony. This branching growth pattern also makes it easier to place and propagate than wall-forming Hammer Corals.
Recommended Care
Scientific Name: Fimbriaphyllia paraancora
Common Name: Branching Hammer Coral
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Lighting: Low to Moderate — approximately 75–150 PAR
Water Flow: Low to Moderate, indirect/alternating flow
Placement: Lower to middle areas of the aquarium
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Growth Form: Branching
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; benefits from occasional supplemental feeding
Placement & Flow
Provide gentle to moderate, indirect water flow that allows the fleshy polyps to sway naturally without being whipped around or pushed against the skeleton. Excessively strong flow can prevent full extension and potentially damage the coral's delicate tissue.
Give the coral several inches of space from neighboring corals to accommodate its expansion and potential sweeper tentacles.
Lighting
Toxic Green Branching Hammer generally performs best under low to moderate reef lighting. Gradual light acclimation is recommended when introducing the coral to a new aquarium, particularly when placing it into areas with stronger PAR.
Feeding
Hammer Corals receive much of their nutritional needs through photosynthesis and do not require frequent direct feeding. Occasional offerings of small LPS pellets, mysis, or appropriately sized meaty foods can help support healthy growth and development.
With its electric toxic-green coloration, flowing hammer-shaped polyps, and desirable branching growth pattern, the Toxic Green Branching Hammer is a classic showpiece LPS that brings intense color and movement to any reef aquarium.