A metallic green and purple branching hammer coral is a striking variety of *Euphyllia ancora*, known for its vibrant coloration and flowing tentacles. Here’s a detailed description:
– **Appearance**: The coral features a branching skeleton structure with multiple heads. Each head is topped with elongated, hammer-shaped tentacles, giving it a distinct, wavy look. This branching growth allows the coral to spread out while maintaining its unique appearance.
– **Coloration**: The tentacles have a rich, metallic green base, which can appear to shimmer under proper lighting. The tips of the tentacles are often a contrasting, deep purple, creating a beautiful mix of cool tones. Under actinic or blue lighting, both the green and purple colors tend to fluoresce, making the coral even more eye-catching.
– **Lighting Requirements**: This hammer coral thrives under moderate to high lighting, particularly with blue or actinic light that highlights its metallic colors.
– **Flow Requirements**: It prefers moderate water flow, which allows the tentacles to sway gently, enhancing its dynamic and flowing appearance. Too much flow can stress the coral, while too little can result in reduced extension.
– **Growth and Structure**: As a branching variety, it grows outward from its main branches, forming additional heads over time. Each head can split, leading to a dense and bushy coral colony with a blend of green and purple.
– **Care and Placement**: This coral is relatively hardy but should be given space in the reef tank due to its semi-aggressive nature. Its sweeper tentacles can reach out and sting nearby corals, so it’s best placed away from other species.
The metallic green and purple branching hammer coral adds a rich, jewel-like appearance to a reef tank, with its vibrant colors and flowing tentacles creating a mesmerizing visual effect. It’s a fantastic addition for both beginners and experienced reef keepers looking to add some colorful movement to their aquarium.
