Duncanopsammia axifuga

Duncan corals, scientifically known as Duncanopsammia axifuga or Whisker Coral, are a popular and visually striking addition to reef aquariums. They belong to the family Dendrophylliidae and are native to the waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Duncan corals are named after their long, flowing tentacles that resemble the whiskers of a cat, creating a captivating and elegant appearance.

These corals have a sturdy skeletal structure with distinct polyps that extend during the day to capture plankton and other small organisms for feeding. The colourful tentacles, which may come in shades of green, brown, purple, and fluorescent hues, create a visually striking display, making Duncan corals a delightful centrepiece in any reef tank.

Duncanopsammia

Duncanopsammia colonies are often recommended for a starter coral when diving into LPS corals. They are fleshy corals with extending polyps. They are easy to care for and are more forgiving of improper husbandry so long as your lighting and flow is right!

WATER CHEMISTRY

Duncanopsammia are able to be kept within a wide range of tanks. From beginner tanks to mature ones. While we have our preferred parameters for Alkalinity, Phosphate, and Nitrates, Duncanopsammia will do far better in your system if you just focus on keeping the water chemistry stable. If your Alkalinity, Phosphate, or Nitrate is out of line, our recommendation is to get it back to your target levels as slowly as possible.

The parameters we aim for are:

We maintain these levels by use of dosing pumps, with Brightwell Aquatics Reef Code A and Reef Code B.

It's important to understand that these are the levels that we aim for in our LPS system. However, that doesn't mean they are the right levels for your system. All aquariums are different and your system may naturally fall on a different balance. You're better off working with the balance your system tends towards than trying to force the same levels that we run.

FLOW

In terms of flow, Duncanopsammia polyps should have a gentle flow to them. You will know the flow is right if the polyps are extended and moving around lightly. Too much or too little flow causes the polyps to recede. 

LIGHTING

Duncanopsammia are among the shade loving coral within the reef systems. We always recommend placing them lower on the rockwork where they will receive lower light. Some Duncanopsammia have been said to do well in the middle of the tank, but we find less light is more with these corals.

Too much light can cause Duncanopsammia to bleach/turn white. If this happens lower the coral in your tank or decrease your light intensity. This is a slow process, however, assuming it has good flow and your water chemistry is stable it will regain its colour.