A gold branching hammer coral is a beautiful and rare variety of *Euphyllia ancora*, recognized for its warm, golden hues and distinctive hammer-shaped tentacles. Here’s a detailed description:
– **Appearance**: This coral has a branching skeleton structure, with multiple heads that extend outward on individual branches. Each head is adorned with elongated tentacles that have a hammer or T-shape, giving it a characteristic “hammer” look. The branching nature allows the coral to spread out and fill space, creating a dynamic and visually appealing structure.
– **Coloration**: The standout feature of this coral is its golden coloration. The tentacles have a rich, metallic gold or yellow hue that can appear almost glowing under certain lighting conditions. The tips of the tentacles are often a lighter shade, sometimes blending into white or pale gold, adding depth and dimension to the coral’s appearance. Under blue-spectrum lighting, the gold color becomes even more vibrant and can take on a slightly fluorescent quality.
– **Lighting Requirements**: The gold branching hammer coral thrives under moderate to high lighting. A mix of blue and white lighting is ideal, as it enhances the coral’s natural glow while highlighting its golden tones.
– **Flow Requirements**: This coral prefers moderate water flow, allowing its tentacles to sway gently without being overpowered. Proper flow is important to maintain the health of the coral while also showcasing its flowing movement.
– **Growth and Structure**: As a branching variety, it grows by developing additional heads along its branches. Over time, the coral can form a dense, bushy cluster with multiple golden heads, making it a stunning centerpiece or accent in a reef tank.
– **Care and Placement**: The gold branching hammer coral is semi-aggressive and extends sweeper tentacles at night, so it’s important to give it space away from other corals to prevent stinging. It is relatively hardy and adapts well to a variety of reef environments, as long as water parameters remain stable.
A gold branching hammer coral is a true treasure for any reef tank, offering a unique combination of warm, radiant colors and flowing movement. Its golden hues provide a rich contrast against the blues and greens typically found in marine aquariums, making it a prized piece for collectors and reef enthusiasts alike.