Hammer coral losing it's Hammer

[Dyngoe]

Hello All,

I have two decent sized hammer corals that "appear" to be healthy. The problem is the tips are no longer "hammer" shaped but rounded more like a torch coral. I have done exhaustive research online with no luck in finding any information. Anyone have an idea of what's happening or where I could find more detailed information on hammer corals? Thanks in advance.

Matt

 

[bookfish]

Might be a hybrid cross. Frogspawn and hammer can cross, I don't see why a hammer X torch hybrid couldn't happen.

 

[Dyngoe]

Now that is an interesting idea! But, why would it first look like a perfect hammer coral and then years later start to exibit changes in it's "tips"?

 

[bookfish]

Different phenotypic characteristics can manifest at different life points. Many people who are blond as kids are brunettes as adults.

 

[Dyngoe]

You are right! I used to be a pure "toe head" bonde and now I'm more of a sandy blonde. But, I hesitate to make this guess about my coral. I'm wondering if it could be because of the strong light? It almost looks like the ends in the shade are more hammer shapped. Do you think this could be a cause?