Duncan Coral care guide
Duncan Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 50-175, salinity 1.024-1.026.
Overview
The Duncan Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga) is a branching LPS from northern Australia. The corallites are tipped with fleshy fluorescent green polyps and long whisker-like tentacles, and the species is widely regarded as one of the most beginner-friendly LPS in the trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Dendrophylliidae
- Genus: Duncanopsammia
- Scientific name: Duncanopsammia axifuga
- Common synonyms: Duncan, Whisker Coral
Habitat
Native to subtropical and tropical reefs of northern Australia. Wild colonies occur on rocky substrates of inshore reefs, often in slightly turbid water rich in suspended particulate food.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity (SG): 1.024-1.026
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.05 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 10 ppm
Placement and lighting
- Lighting (PAR): 50-175 PAR
- Flow: medium
- Recommended tank age: 3 months
- Growth rate: 0.3-0.7 cm/mo
Position on rockwork or a sandbed in the middle of the aquarium with moderate light and gentle to medium flow. The coral readily acclimates to a wide range of placements and tolerates a fairly broad range of conditions.
Feeding
Both photosynthetic and a strong responder to spot-feeding. Feed mysis, brine shrimp or reef-roids two to three times per week to accelerate growth and propagation.
Compatibility
Passive and non-stinging. Compatible with most other corals in a mixed reef. Reef-safe with shrimp and fish; avoid placing directly under aggressive Euphylliidae sweepers.
Care notes
One of the most robust LPS for cycling-aged tanks. New polyp buds appear at the base of older heads and can be fragged once well-developed.