Duncan Coral
Duncanopsammia axifuga(Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848)Species
LPS coral with round flower-like polyps. Responds well to feeding — fun to watch eat. Relatively hardy and growing in popularity.

Fluorescence appearance


Coral fluorescent proteins are excited by blue/actinic light. Appearance differs greatly from under white light.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonDuncan Coral
- Commonダンカンコーラル
- SynonymDendrophyllia axifuga
Overview
Duncan coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga, family Dendrophylliidae) is the sole species of its genus, native to reef slopes of northwestern Australia and southern Japan. Colonies produce numerous large polyps (2–4 cm diameter) in shades of green, brown, and purple that extend multiple tentacles in a whisker-like display—hence its alternative common name, "whisker coral." Duncan coral is straightforward to keep under low to moderate lighting (100–200 PAR) with gentle indirect flow. It responds eagerly to target feeding of brine shrimp or small meaty foods one to two times per week, rewarding hobbyists with rapid colony expansion and easy fragging.
Care Specifications
| Type | LPS |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24〜27℃ |
| Specific gravity | 1.023〜1.025 |
| Salinity | 33〜35 ppt |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 8〜12 dKH |
| Calcium (Ca) | 400〜450 mg/L |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1280〜1350 mg/L |
| Lighting | Medium |
| Water flow | Medium |
| Placement | Middle |
Care Points
- Lighting—Low to moderate
- Flow—Low to moderate indirect flow
- Feeding—Feed 2-3 times weekly for faster growth
- Propagation—New heads form continuously
- Notes—Strong light may prevent polyps from opening
Regulatory & Conservation
- CITES:
- Appendix II
- Notes:
- イシサンゴ目(Duncanopsammia axifuga, Dendrophylliidae)。CITES 附属書II。
Sources
- AlgaeBarn: SPS/LPS care (PAR/flow)(careSpec)
- AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101(careSpec)
- DOC NZ / CITES-listed corals (Scleractinia spp. = App. II)(regulatory)
- Wikipedia(detail)
Related corals of the same type
AcanthastreaアカンサストレアlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with metallic colors in large polyps. Australian specimens are popular as premium pieces.
Acan CoralアカンソフィリアlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with rich colorful variations. Highly popular among collectors with many high-value specimens.
Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)アカントフィリアlpsIntermediateLPS coral with single massive polyp. Vivid red, green, blue colors earn it the 'Meat Coral' nickname. Impressive when fleshy tissue inflates fully.
Acan LordアカンロードlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with vivid multicolor patterns beautiful as jewels. Premium species popular among collectors.
AlveoporaアルベオポラlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with long tentacles similar to Goniopora. Hardier and easier to keep than Goniopora.
War CoralウォーコーラルlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with distinctive rugged appearance. Also called Favia, beautiful with fluorescent colors.Related care articles

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