ACI Court Jester Hammer Coral

ACI Court Jester Hammer Coral

Overview

Court Jester Hammer Coral shows elongated hammer-shaped tentacle tips with a mottled pattern. Fimbriaphyllia paraancora is a branching large-polyp stony coral that does best under moderate light and gentle to moderate, indirect flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for most nutrition but benefits from occasional small meaty feedings, which can boost growth and maintain color. Place it with room around the colony, as its sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Moderate, indirect
Placement Mid–Low
Temperament Aggressive (6–10 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–82°F
pH 8.1–8.4
Salinity 1.025–1.026
Calcium 400–450 ppm
AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH
Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine shrimp or scallop, rotifers, copepods, zooplankton, coral-specific powdered foods

Care & Placement

Court Jester Hammer Coral (Fimbriaphyllia paraancora) thrives with stable, moderate conditions and careful spacing. Place mid to low in the tank with indirect, moderate flow that gently moves the polyps; avoid blasts that cause retraction or tissue damage, but keep enough movement to prevent detritus buildup. Provide moderate light (PAR ~80–150); acclimate from lower light upward over 1–2 weeks to avoid bleaching. Target feed 1–2 times weekly with small meaty foods (mysis, enriched brine, reef roids) after lights dim, when tentacles are sticky; this supports growth and can improve coloration. Maintain temperature 24–26°C (75–79°F), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Test weekly with reliable kits and keep swings minimal; use an auto top-off for salinity stability.Semi-aggressive with long sweeper tentacles at night; allow 6–8 inches clearance from other corals. Generally safest not to mix heads with different species or wild varieties nearby. Compatible with peaceful fish and inverts; avoid coral nippers (some angels, butterflies) and rough crabs. Mount on a stable rock ledge, not buried in sand. Acclimate by temperature match and 30–45 minute drip; coral dip to check for pests. Signs of stress include gaping skeleton, receding tissue, or persistent retraction—reduce light/flow, verify parameters, and improve stability. If brown jelly appears, siphon, iodine dip, and remove affected heads to stop spread.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the ACI Court Jester Hammer Coral

  • How do I keep the “Court Jester” pattern and colors from fading or going neon?
    Aim for moderate PAR (80–150) with strong blue spectrum (420–460 nm). Avoid ultra-low nutrients; target NO3 2–10 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.10. Acclimate slowly to any light changes. Excess light can wash tips; too little or heavy organics can brown tissue. Keep temperature and salinity rock-steady to prevent stress-induced color shifts.
  • My heads are receding or bailing out—what’s the usual culprit and quick fix?
    Rapid alkalinity swings, low magnesium, or bacterial issues are common. Hold dKH 8–9 with minimal daily swing; Ca 400–450; Mg 1280–1400. Ensure indirect, brisk flow around the skeleton to deter detritus. At first sign of brown jelly, siphon, iodine dip, and isolate or cut away affected branches. Improve oxygenation; consider UV temporarily.
  • What’s the safest way to frag Fimbriaphyllia paraancora?
    It’s branching, so cut only the skeleton between heads using bone cutters or a diamond saw—never through living flesh. Let cuts air-dry 30–60 seconds, then iodine dip. Mount upright so tissue doesn’t rub. Provide moderate, indirect flow for healing and resume light target feeding after 5–7 days. Avoid fragging during heat waves or post-shipping.
  • Can clownfish or cleaner shrimp live with it without causing harm?
    Clowns may adopt it, but small colonies can be irritated into recession. Encourage clowns to a larger colony or provide alternatives. For shrimp that steal food, use a feeding dome or gently shoo them until the coral finishes. If irritation persists, add a branching decoy or rearrange flow so fish prefer another perch