Is a Hammer a Torch Coral?

[reptileguy112]

I want to get a torch coral and some guy on craiglist said that a hammer is a type of torch coral. Is this true? I can't find much info on it. Also what is better a Bak Pak or a Prizm Skimmer? Thanx

 

[doylef4i]

No. They are both part of the same genus Euphyllia but have different tentacle shape.

 

[reptileguy112]

Ok, so it is a torch but has different tentacles?

 

[ritter6788]

Ok, so it is a torch but has different tentacles?

Not really. Torch and Hammer are common names for Euphyllia glabrescens (torch) and Euphyllia ancora (hammer). Totally different in appearance to me.

 

[jdpeters]

^ what he said

 

[melypr1985]

its like a chicken and an eagle are both birds. but an eagle is definitely not a chicken and a chicken is not an eagle lol. like they said.... torch and hammer are both euphylia but the hammer is not a torch.

 

[reptileguy112]

ok, thanx

 

[pickupman66]

Torch (as viewed from above)

Hammer as viewwed from the side.

notice the main differences are in the Polyp tips and length of the "tentacle" part of the polyp. Most hammer corals will be more dense with short polyp extension. torches will have much longer extension and little balls at the tip. For example, the polyps on my torch photoed above are at least 2-3" long whereas the hammer is about 1" or so.

 

[Mike&Terry]

Here's a brief article with pics and video on several Euphyllia species:

LPS Spotlight: Euphyllia - REEFEDITION

 

[reptileguy112]

Thanks for the help guys. I will check out that article. I got a tomato clown and a picasso trigger yesterday and the clown has some torn up fins. Who should I blame? The Trigger, the snowflake, or the domino damsel (the domino has been following it).

 

[pickupman66]

Damsel. Plus that trigger... not reef safe

 

[reptileguy112]

I have heard different opinions on if triggers are reef safe or not and from what I heard its a hit or miss. I haven't seen him nib any corals but he does love minnows. I had no idea the damsel was not reef safe, I thought they were more of a nice fish. Can the clown change its gender after it already not indecisive anymore?

 

[Tab28]

Triggers will eat any shrimp or crab. Not considered reef safe. Damsel are named ironically. Like calling a big kid tiny. They are very aggressive as they age. Like a trigger not a fish if you want a nice quite reef tank. Clown fish can change gender as needed. But i think unless another more alpha mate is present. It may remain what gender it is. In clowns the only difference i have noticed is the female is much larger.

 

[Reefrookie220]

Clowns cannot revert back to the male sex after becoming female.