Reverse Hammer Coral
The Reverse Hammer Coral is a distinctive branching LPS coral prized for its contrasting colour pattern, fleshy hammer-shaped tips and graceful movement in the current. Unlike traditional hammer corals, the reverse variety typically displays darker green, brown or purple tentacles with contrasting cream, pale green, pink or light-purple tips.
Its large polyps extend throughout the day and gently sway with the water flow, adding movement and depth to a reef aquarium. As it matures, the branching skeleton can develop into an impressive three-dimensional colony.
Why Choose a Reverse Hammer Coral?
- Unique reverse colour pattern
- Fleshy, hammer-shaped tentacle tips
- Adds natural movement to the aquarium
- Attractive branching growth structure
- Suitable for established mixed reef aquariums
- Benefits from occasional target feeding
- Can grow into an impressive feature colony
Lighting and Placement
Reverse Hammer Coral performs best under moderate reef lighting, with approximately 100–200 PAR recommended.
Start the coral on the lower or middle rockwork and gradually adjust its placement based on polyp extension and colouration. Avoid immediately placing it directly beneath intense lighting.
Water Flow
Provide moderate, indirect water flow. The tentacles should move gently without being forcefully blasted in one direction.
Excessive flow may prevent the polyps from fully extending or cause the fleshy tissue to rub against the coral’s skeleton.
Feeding
Reverse Hammer Coral is photosynthetic but can benefit from occasional targeted feeding. Suitable foods include:
- Mysis shrimp
- Small pieces of meaty marine food
- LPS coral pellets
- Suspended coral foods
Feed sparingly once or twice per week, ensuring uneaten food does not remain in the aquarium.
Coral Compatibility
Hammer corals can extend powerful sweeper tentacles, particularly after the aquarium lights turn off. Leave at least 15cm of space between the Reverse Hammer Coral and neighbouring corals to reduce the risk of stinging.
It may generally be placed closer to other compatible hammer corals, but individual colonies should still be monitored for aggression.
Recommended Water Parameters
Care Level: Moderate
Coral Type: Branching LPS coral
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting: Moderate
Recommended PAR: 100–200
Water Flow: Moderate and indirect
Placement: Lower to middle rockwork
Feeding: Occasional target feeding recommended
Calcium: 420–440ppm
Alkalinity: 8–10dKH
Magnesium: 1300–1400ppm
Stable water chemistry is essential. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, salinity, alkalinity or lighting intensity, and allow the coral time to acclimate after being introduced.
With its unusual colour contrast, flowing polyps and branching growth, the Reverse Hammer Coral makes a striking centrepiece for an established reef aquarium.
