Euphyllia ancora is one of several so called hammer corals named after the shape of their tentacles. This coral prefers medium to high light levels. In common with other corals this species uses special cells in its structure to photosynthesise like plants to receive energy from the sun.

It will also utilise nutrients from small organisms caught and killed by stinging cells. They possess long extensions called sweeper tentacles which are used to defend the coral from the encroachment of other corals developing nearby. They are capable of killing the corals by touching them with the stinging cells in these tentacles.

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