Description
Duncans Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga)
(Also known as Whisker Coral, Duncanopsammia Coral, or Duncan Coral)
Overview
The Duncan Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga) is a hardy and attractive large-polyp stony (LPS) coral, highly valued for its long, fleshy tentacles and ease of care. Each polyp features a round, button-like mouth surrounded by gently waving tentacles in shades of green, purple, or brown, often with bright neon centres. Colonies grow by sprouting new polyps from a branching skeletal base, forming compact, dome-shaped clusters. Peaceful and tolerant, Duncanopsammia is an ideal coral for beginners and experienced reef keepers alike, offering elegant motion and a strong feeding response under gentle flow.
Origin
Native to the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, and surrounding Indo-Pacific regions. Found in shallow lagoons and reef slopes at moderate depths, typically in areas with gentle to moderate water movement and indirect light.
Feeding
The Duncan Coral is photosynthetic, containing zooxanthellae that provide much of its nutrition through photosynthesis. However, regular supplemental feeding promotes faster growth and fuller polyp extension. Offer 1–2 feedings per week of:
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Mysis shrimp or enriched brine shrimp
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Finely chopped marine meats or plankton blends
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LPS-specific coral foods or marine snow
Feed when tentacles are extended — typically in the evening or under low flow. The coral’s polyps will readily close around food and ingest it.
Lighting
Moderate lighting. Provide balanced illumination using LED, T5, or metal halide lighting.
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PAR range: 100–200 µmol/m²/s
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Too much direct light may cause retraction or bleaching.
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Blue-spectrum lighting enhances the coral’s vibrant green centres and tentacle glow.
Water Flow
Low to moderate, indirect flow. Gentle, variable movement allows for natural tentacle sway and debris removal. Avoid direct, high-intensity flow that could damage polyp tissue or cause excessive retraction.
Placement
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Place on rockwork or sandy substrate in the lower to middle regions of the tank.
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Ensure the base is stable and not shaded by larger corals.
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Allow 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) of space from other corals — Duncans are peaceful but can be stung by aggressive neighbours.
Tank Mates
Reef safe and peaceful. Compatible with:
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All peaceful reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)
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Invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs
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Other LPS, soft, and non-aggressive corals
Avoid:
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Aggressive or stinging corals (e.g., Galaxea, Hydnophora)
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Large angelfish, butterflyfish, or puffers that may nip at fleshy tissue
Aggression
Peaceful. Duncanopsammia does not extend long sweeper tentacles and coexists well with other peaceful species. However, it can be damaged by more aggressive corals if placed too close.
Experience Level
Beginner. Duncans are among the easiest LPS corals to care for, making them ideal for new reef keepers. They tolerate a wide range of lighting and flow conditions, respond well to feeding, and grow steadily under stable parameters.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
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Hardness (dKH): 8–12
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Calcium: 400–450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
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Nitrate: <10 ppm
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Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) recommended for stability and colony growth
Stable calcium and alkalinity levels are essential for skeletal development and polyp health.
Reef Compatibility
Fully reef safe. The Duncan Coral is a beautiful, low-maintenance coral that adds soft movement and natural colour contrast to mixed or LPS reef aquariums. Its tolerance, peaceful nature, and strong feeding response make it one of the best beginner-friendly LPS corals available.
