Euphyllia

Euphyllia corals (also known as Fimbriaphyllia, hammer coral, torch coral and alike) are among the most popular corals in reef aquariums. Why? They combine impressive colours with fascinating graceful tentacles that dance in the water - a real eye-catcher in any reef tank. These LPS corals (Large Polyp Stony) are not only beautiful, but also ideal for beginners and advanced aquarists. With a little care and the right conditions, they will reward you with a lively spectacle that will transform your aquarium into an oasis of the underwater world.

Buy Euphyllia online – our tip:

If you buy a Euphyllia, make sure there is enough space in the reef tank! Their tentacles are not only decorative, but can also stretch out considerably. Caution is advised with the Torch Coral in particular: Their ‘tentacles’ may be beautiful to look at, but they can annoy sensitive neighbours. Place them in such a way that they have enough space to unfold their full beauty without harassing other corals.

How to care for Euphyllia

Euphyllia corals are known for their resilience, but still have a few requirements to thrive in your aquarium. Here are the most important tips:

1. Light

Euphyllia like moderate light. Euphyllia glabrescens can even tend to tolerate a little more light, but not a direct ‘sunbed’. Position them in the middle to lower section of your aquarium and use LED lighting with a broad colour spectrum. Blue light brings out their fluorescent colours particularly well.

2. Flow

A gentle to moderate flow is ideal. It should gently sway the tentacles without pushing them away permanently. A flow that is too strong will stress the corals and they could retract their polyps. As with the light, Euphyllia glabrescens can tolerate comparatively more current.

3. Water Parameters

Euphyllia are robust, but consistency is crucial! Maintain the following parameters:

• Salinity: 1,023 – 1,025
• Temperature: 24–26 °C
• pH: 8,0 – 8,4
• Alkalinity: 7 – 10 dKH
• Calcium: 400 – 450 mg/l
• Magnesium: 1250 – 1350 mg/l

4. Feeding

Thanks to their symbiotic zooxanthellae, Euphyllia corals can obtain energy from light. For optimum growth, however, you can treat them with fine coral or frozen food from time to time. But be careful: less is more to avoid water pollution!

5. Growth and Fragmentation

Euphyllia grow comparatively slowly but steadily. A great side effect: you can propagate them after a while by carefully fragmenting them. A coral saw or saw blade is best suited for this. Take care not to obtain fragments that are too short, as the polyps sometimes reach very deep into the calcareous skeleton.

Euphyllia in the Reefscape – Tipps for Placement

Euphyllia corals bring movement into an aquarium - take advantage of this! Place them in highly visible locations to show off their majestic tentacles. Exposed spots in the centre of your reef structure are ideal. Make sure to keep a safe distance from more sensitive corals, as Euphyllia love to ‘cuddle’ with their tentacles - not always to the delight of their neighbours.

Conclusion: Euphyllia – dancing stars for your reef tank

With their fascinating colours and flowing movements, Euphyllia corals are an asset to any reef tank. They are easy to care for and their gracefulness makes them a popular choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Create the right conditions and your Euphyllia will quickly become the star of your aquarium!

Discover aquacultured Euphyllia now and add some glamour to your reef!