Duncan Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga)

Taxonomy & Identity

The Duncan Coral, also called Whisker Coral or Daisy Coral, is a wonderful LPS coral that combines the beauty of flowing tentacles with exceptional ease of care. Originally quite rare in the hobby, aquaculture has made this species widely available and affordable. Its rapid growth and hardiness make it perfect for beginners.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

D. axifuga is native to Australia, particularly around the waters of Western and South Australia. It inhabits turbid waters at moderate depths, often on sandy or muddy substrates rather than traditional reef environments. This adaptation to less-than-pristine conditions contributes to its hardiness in aquarium settings.

Morphology & Growth Forms

Duncan Corals grow as branching colonies with tubular corallites, each bearing a single large polyp. Polyps feature numerous long, thin tentacles radiating from a central disc containing the mouth. When extended, colonies resemble clusters of daisies or anemones. Colors are typically green, pink, purple, or cream, often with contrasting oral discs.

Lighting Requirements & Spectrum

• Intensity: Low to moderate
• Target PAR: 50–150

Duncans are very adaptable to lighting conditions. They thrive in lower light but can acclimate to moderate intensities. Their natural habitat in turbid waters means they don't require intense lighting. Blue spectrum lighting brings out fluorescent qualities in green and purple specimens.

Flow Requirements & Patterns

• Intensity: Low to moderate
• Type: Gentle, indirect

Moderate flow helps keep the polyps clean and delivers food particles. Avoid strong direct flow which prevents full polyp extension. The tentacles should wave gently in the current. Duncans are quite tolerant of various flow patterns but prefer gentler conditions.

Nutrient Dynamics & Water Chemistry

Duncans are remarkably tolerant of varying water parameters and nutrient levels. They actually seem to prefer slightly elevated nutrients compared to many other LPS corals. This tolerance makes them forgiving of beginner mistakes and variations in water quality.

Feeding Biology & Symbiosis

Duncan Corals host zooxanthellae but are enthusiastic heterotrophic feeders. Their large, extended tentacles are highly effective at capturing food particles. They are among the most responsive corals to feeding in the hobby.

• Mysis shrimp (a favorite)
• Brine shrimp and cyclops
• Coral pellets and powdered foods
• Reef Roids and similar products

Regular feeding significantly accelerates growth. Duncans can double or triple their head count in a year with consistent feeding. Feed when polyps are extended, typically in evening hours or whenever they sense food in the water.

Common Diseases, Pests & Predators

• Generally very disease resistant
• Brown Jelly Disease (rare, usually stress-related)
• Flatworms (uncommon but possible)
• Tissue damage from aggressive tankmates

Duncans are remarkably pest and disease resistant. Most problems stem from physical damage or severely degraded water quality. Quarantine is still recommended but these corals are generally low-risk additions.

Compatibility & Placement

Duncan Corals are peaceful and lack significant sweeper tentacles. They can be placed relatively close to other peaceful corals without concern. However, more aggressive neighbors should be kept at distance to protect the Duncan.

• Best zone: Lower to middle tank, sandbed or rockwork
• Give space: 2–3 inches from other corals
• Compatible: Most peaceful LPS and soft corals

Fragging Techniques

Duncans frag extremely easily. Individual heads or small groups can be cut from the colony using bone cutters. The tubular skeleton cuts cleanly. Frags can be glued to plugs or rubble and typically recover within days. Natural fragmentation also occurs as colonies grow and branches break off.

Aquacultured Strains & Trade Names

Most Duncans in the trade are aquacultured due to collection restrictions from Australia. Color varieties include standard green, pink, purple, and orange morphs. "Ultra" grade specimens feature particularly vibrant colors. Multi-colored specimens with contrasting centers are especially prized.

Difficulty Rating & Summary

Difficulty: Beginner

Duncan Corals are among the best beginner LPS corals available. Their hardiness, rapid growth, enthusiastic feeding response, and peaceful nature make them ideal for new reef keepers. With regular feeding, colonies grow quickly and can become impressive centerpieces in any reef aquarium.