Anchor Coral Yellow (LPS) (Fimbriaphyllia ancora 'Yellow')
| Anchor Coral Yellow (LPS) Fimbriaphyllia ancora 'Yellow' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Anchor Coral Yellow (LPS) |
| Name Lat. | Fimbriaphyllia ancora 'Yellow' |
| Synonym | Euphyllia ancora |
| Family | Hammer Corals |
| Family lat. | Euphylliidae |
| Order | Stony Corals |
| Order lat. | Scleractinia |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific |
| Diet | Autotrophic, planktivore |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Hardness | 8-12 °KH |
| Lighting | High |
| Current | Moderate |
| Behavior | Aggressive |
| Keeping | Colony |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | < 25 cm |
| Temperature | 24-27 °C |
| Salinity | 33-36 ‰ |
| Aquarium | 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | < 9.8" |
| Temperature | 75-81 °F |
| Salinity | 1.020-1.025 sg |
| Aquarium | 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Fimbriaphyllia ancora "Yellow" belongs to the group of LPS (Large Polyp Scleractinia). This reef-building coral is widely distributed in the tropical Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. They occur according to their species and origin in different colors and growth forms in colonies up to 1 m in diameter on rubble areas in the forereef and in calmed shallow water.
Maintenance
They should be positioned in a place with higher light intensity and moderate, alternating flow. Only lime-rich, heavy metal-free substrates should be used as substrate
Filters, skimmers and heaters are necessary to ensure water quality, as well as pumps to simulate tides, swells and bottom currents. It is recommended that live stones be used to set up the aquarium. The bacteria living in the porous stones act as a biological filter. The lighting must correspond to the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals
| Salinity: 33-36 ‰ | pH value: 8.1-8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness: 8-12 °KH | Nitrate content: 2-8 mg/l |
| calcium content: 420-450 mg/l | Nitrite content: 0.0-0.05 mg/l |
| Magnesium content: 1.250-1.350 mg/l | phosphate content: 0.01-0.1 mg/l |
Regular addition of trace elements, especially calcium and strontium, is recommended. For salinity, an average value should be aimed for, which may only vary slightly by +/- 0.5 ‰. Ammonia and ammonium must not be measurable. Special attention shall be paid to consistently good water quality and water values.
Diet
Zooxanthellae, which are unicellular symbiotic algae, live in their tissue and provide them with assimilation products of their photosynthesis (high light requirement). The zooxanthellae promote growth and provide additional food to the plankton and small particles that are collected in large quantities from the water current. Thus, in addition to the food produced in the aquarium during fish feeding (mysis, krill, Artemia, etc.), commercially available supplementary food in the form of phyto- and zooplankton should be offered regularly
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should not be kept with fish that consider their polyps as food (e.g. angelfish or butterflyfish). Since they nettle strongly and expand a lot mainly at night, a sufficiently large distance to other corals, especially to wonder corals, must be kept. They are sensitive to touch.
Reproduction and breeding
In nature, reproduction occurs sexually via marine larval stages. Reproduction by formation of daughter colonies (budding) is also possible. Successful breeding in the aquarium has not been reported so far.
Species protection
Species protection: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.
Important
The additional illumination with Actinic-Light (short-wave, violet-blue light) is very beneficial for their growth (zooxanthellae). For the necessary uniform supply of calcium carbonate and magnesium, a calcium reactor and a magnesium metering pump are recommended. Too high temperature, insufficient lighting or current as well as sudden change of water values can lead to tissue decay (RTN - rapid tissue necrosis). When purchasing, look for pressure marks or other tissue damage. Newly introduced animals must be acclimated slowly to the water in the aquarium
If different species are kept together, make sure that fish and invertebrates match each other in terms of water quality and temperature requirements as well as their social behavior, and that the setup meets the ecological needs of all species kept together. Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Werner Winter
Source: FOSSÁ & NILSEN (1995): Korallenriff-Aquarium Bd. 4, Birgit Schmettkamp Verlag; ENGELMANN & LANGE (2011): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Wirbellose, Verlag Harri Deutsch