Duncan Coral Care

How To Care For Duncan Coral

Looking for a simple coral that’s generally easy to care for and beautiful at the same time? Consider the Duncan coral. (Duncan is short for Duncanopsammia Axifuga, its scientific name) Originally found in the waters off the shores of Australia in the Great Barrier Reef, Duncan corals have become very popular in American tanks for many reasons. Tolerant of medium light levels and medium water flow, and tolerant of neighbor corals as well (they don’t sting like other LPS often do), Duncans can make a handsome addition to almost any saltwater tank.

Short and long tentacled, Duncan corals have a grey to iridescent green center. Many times people confuse Duncan corals for anemones. In fact, many clownfish think the same thing, you’ll often find Duncan corals hosting curious clownfish.

Duncan Coral Growth Rate

Under the right conditions, Duncan corals multiply easily and rather rapidly. A one-head frag will soon generate two, three, four, and more heads. Eventually, these heads can themselves be cut from the central calcareous stalk (if desired), and other colonies can be started. Check with us if you’d like more information on cutting (fragging) corals.

How many per tank? As many as you want! Just make sure you have good light and water flow for them. Make sure you maintain good calcium and magnesium levels (use reef salt) and watch the alkalinity levels in your tank since these corals need calcium and magnesium to grow.

Duncan Coral Placement

In general, Duncan’s are considered one of the easier to care for corals. Like other LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals, Duncans are larger calcareous corals with large fleshy polyps. Many LPS corals produce long sweeper tentacles which they use to keep other corals a safe distance away, but Duncans don’t follow this pattern. They usually don’t sting other corals. Unfortunately, however, they can be stung by other, more aggressive ones.

Duncan Coral Feeding

Spot feeding these corals is common practice and most LPS need Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or other small bits of meaty foods several times a week. Hand-feeding these corals is easy.

Hardiness: Very hardy.

Duncan Coral Water Conditions

Does well within normal tank temperature ranges of 74-80°F; specific gravity 1.023 to 1.025, pH 8.2 to 8.4.

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