Duncan Coral, also known as Duncanopsammia axifuga, is a unique type of stony coral. Its name comes from the single species it represents. Some people call it Whisker Coral, while others refer to it as Duncanops Coral.
Each polyp, or individual part of the Duncan Coral, has a large, round base called a corallite. These corallites measure around 10-14 millimeters in diameter.
From the center of each corallite, many tentacles spread out. These polyps create a structure that branches out at uneven intervals, forming a large colony.
Where Is Duncan Coral Found?
Duncan Coral is a native species to the sandy and rocky seabeds of Australia and the South China Sea. It usually forms colonies of branching or clustered individuals near the base of the reef.
Duncan Corals typically grow at depths up to 30 meters.
What Does Duncan Coral Look Like?
Duncan Coral is known for its large polyps which have a wide, flat, circular disk. The color of the disk is typically light brown or green. Sometimes, it has faint stripes or areas of darker or lighter color.
The tentacles of the polyp are thin and usually the same color as the disk. These tentacles have rows of stinging cells called nematocysts. If you touch them, they feel sticky.
Each polyp looks like a tiny sea anemone. However, the diameter of each polyp can only reach 2-3 centimeters.
The polyps can open and close based on different stimuli, including moving captured prey to the central mouth.
How Is Duncan Coral Used in The Aquariums?
Duncan Coral is a popular choice in the aquarium hobby. It is often referred to as a type of large-polyp stony coral (LPS).
Duncan Coral’s popularity has grown due to the relatively easy care requirements and its fast growth rate.
If you want to keep Duncan Coral in an aquarium, you must create a suitable environment for it. This includes:
- Providing an artificial saltwater mix,
- Maintaining a temperature between 75°F and 80°F,
- Ensuring low to moderate lighting for photosynthesis, and
- Creating a low to moderate current to bring them food naturally.
Duncan Coral should also be placed low in the aquarium tank, preferably on the substrate or on a low-lying rock. This allows the coral to form a colony.
To propagate or reproduce Duncan Coral, you can separate polyps from the base of the coral.
Feeding Duncan Coral in Aquariums
Duncan Coral feeds on phytoplankton or zooplankton.
However, it’s also possible to target feed the Duncan Coral. To do this, use a tool to place food onto the polyp’s tentacles.
Duncan Coral Characteristics
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Care Level: | Easy |
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Hexacorallia |
| Order: | Scleractinia |
| Family: | Dendrophylliidae |
| Genus: | Duncanopsammia |
| Scientific Name: | Duncanopsammia axifuga |
| Also Known As: | Duncan Coral, Whisker Coral, Duncanops Coral |
| Conservation Status: | Near Threatened |