Duncan Coral Care Guide
Duncanopsammia axifuga is a large-polyp stony coral from Australia and the South China Sea, kept in reef aquaria for its disc-shaped polyps and readiness to accept feeding.
Overview
Duncanopsammia axifuga is a large-polyp stony (LPS) coral and the only species in its genus. It forms branching colonies whose polyps carry a wide, flat, circular disc, usually light brown or green. Individual polyps reach roughly 2-3 cm across, while the skeletal corallites measure about 10-14 mm in diameter. The tentacles bear nematocysts (stinging cells).
Taxonomy
- Family: Dendrophylliidae
- Genus: Duncanopsammia
- Scientific name: Duncanopsammia axifuga
- Common names: Duncan coral, whisker coral
Habitat
The species occurs around Australia and in the South China Sea, where it grows on sandy and rocky seabeds near reef foundations. It is typically found at depths down to about 30 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Lighting: low to moderate
- Water flow: low to moderate
- Placement: low in the tank on substrate or rock
Diet
Duncanopsammia axifuga is carnivorous, using its tentacles to capture prey and contracting the polyp to move food to the central mouth. In aquaria it draws plankton from the water current and readily accepts target feeding with small meaty marine foods.
Reef compatibility
It is a peaceful coral that is propagated in the aquarium by separating polyps from the base. New heads bud frequently under stable conditions. Keep it away from corals with long sweeper tentacles that could damage its tissue.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened.