Duncan coral

Lore & Background

Duncanopsammia axifuga has large polyps with a wide, flat, circular disk that is usually light brown or green, often patterned by faint stripes. The thin tentacles are similarly colored and bear rows of stinging cells called nematocysts, producing a sticky sensation when touched. Each polyp resembles a miniature sea anemone but reaches only 2–3 cm in diameter. This coral is found in Australia and the South China Sea, inhabiting sandy and rocky seabeds near the foundation of the reef at depths up to 30 meters. It forms colonies that branch at irregular intervals, with individual polyps having round skeletal bases (corallites) 10–14 mm in diameter. Polyps can open and contract in response to stimuli, including to move captured prey to the central mouth. The coral reproduces by separating polyps from the base of the colony.

Reader's Guide

Duncanopsammia axifuga is a monotypic species of stony coral, commonly called duncan coral in the aquarium trade. It is a large-polyp stony coral (LPS) with polyps that have a wide, flat disk and thin tentacles armed with nematocysts. The coral forms branching colonies on sandy or rocky seabeds near reef foundations in Australia and the South China Sea, at depths up to 30 meters. In the aquarium trade, it has become popular due to its relatively easy care requirements and fast growth rate. Target feeding can be supplemented by dispensing food onto the polyp's tentacles. The coral should be placed low in the tank, on the substrate or a low-lying rock, where it can form a colony. Propagation is achieved by separating polyps from the base of the coral.

Did You Know?

• Duncanopsammia is a monotypic genus, represented only by Duncanopsammia axifuga.
• Individual polyps resemble miniature sea anemones but reach only 2–3 cm in diameter.
• The tentacles have rows of stinging cells called nematocysts and produce a sticky sensation when touched.
• This coral can grow at depths up to 30 meters in Australia and the South China Sea.