About Torch coral

Euphyllia glabrescens is found across the Indo-Pacific. Distinguished from Hammer (E. ancora) by single tentacle tips ending in a small ball, vs Hammer's hammer-shaped split tip. Torch tentacles are longer, more flowing, and produce dramatic visual movement.

The hobby distinguishes Torches by origin:

  • Indonesian (Indo): standard imports, $30-200 per head
  • Australian (Aussie): premium origin, denser tissue, more vibrant colors. $200-1,500+ per head
  • Named morphs (JF, ASD, RR): hobby-named individual specimens with provenance. $400-3,000+ per head

Care parameters

Light (PAR)
100-200
Flow
Low-mod
Alkalinity
8-9 dKH
Aggression
High

Placement and aggression

Torches sting. Their sweeper tentacles can extend 6-8 inches at night and chemically attack any coral within reach. Plan for 6+ inch separation from non-Euphyllia neighbors. Other Euphyllias (Hammer, Frogspawn) generally co-exist peacefully due to similar chemistry.

Place mid-tank with low-to-moderate flow. Direct power head blast prevents tentacle extension and stresses the coral. Indirect, gentle flow produces the flowing tentacle expression Torches are loved for.

Brown jelly disease (the LPS killer)

Euphyllia genus is uniquely susceptible to "brown jelly disease" - rapid tissue dissolution producing brown mucus around the dying head. Spreads to neighboring polyps fast. Treatment:

  1. Remove the affected head from the colony with bone cutters
  2. Dip remaining colony in CoralRx or Bayer for 10 minutes
  3. Improve water quality (water change, parameter check)
  4. Move colony to lower-flow zone temporarily

Named morph pricing reality

  • Standard Indo Torch: $30-100 per head
  • Aussie Gold Torch: $200-500 per head
  • Holy Grail Torch: $1,500-3,500 per head (highest tier)
  • JF Dragon Soul, JF Black Sun: $800-2,500 per head
  • Indo Gold Hammer/Torch: $300-800 per head

The Torch market has experienced significant pricing volatility. Holy Grail Torch traded at $5,000+ per head in 2020-2022, has come down to $1,500-3,500 as captive propagation increased. Watch market trends before paying premium.

All torch species in our database (5)

Each species has its own deep care guide with photos, parameters, diet, compatibility, breeding notes, common diseases, and a 4-question FAQ. Vendor listings live alongside the educational content.

Branching Frogspawn Euphyllia paradivisa
Branching Hammer Coral Euphyllia paraancora
Frogspawn Coral Euphyllia divisa
Torch Coral Euphyllia glabrescens
Wall Hammer Coral Euphyllia ancora
Browse all 424 species in the directory →