Duncanopsammia

Lore & Background

Duncanopsammia axifuga inhabits sandy and rocky seabeds in Australia and the South China Sea, where it grows in colonies of branching or clustered individuals near the foundation of the reef, typically at depths up to 30 metres. Individual polyps are fairly large with round skeletal bases (corallites) 10–14 millimetres in diameter and larger central discs from which multiple tentacles radiate; the polyps form a structure branching at irregular intervals to form a large colony.

The polyps possess a wide, flat, circular disk that is usually light brown or green in color, patterned by faint stripes or darker or lighter color. The tentacles are thin, colored brown or green similar to the disk, and have rows of stinging cells called nematocysts, generally producing a sticky sensation when touched. An individual polyp resembles a miniature sea anemone, though its diameter reaches only 2–3 centimetres. The polyps can open and contract depending on stimuli, including to move captured prey to the central mouth.

Reader's Guide

Duncanopsammia axifuga is a species of coral often encountered in the aquarium trade, where it is commonly called duncan coral and referred to as a type of large-polyp stony coral (LPS). It has become increasingly popular due to the relatively easy care requirements for its growth and the fast rate at which it grows. In captivity, the duncan coral generally prefers to inhabit an established reef aquarium. It lives in saltwater, so an artificial saltwater mix should be provided, and it requires a temperature preferably between 75 and 80 °F. Like many other LPS corals, it needs low to moderate lighting to photosynthesize, as well as a low to moderate current to bring food such as phytoplankton or zooplankton. Target feeding can be supplemented by using a tool to dispense food onto the polyp's tentacles. The coral should be placed low in the tank, preferably on the substrate or on 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 the species Duncanopsammia axifuga.
• Individual polyps have round skeletal bases (corallites) 10–14 mm in diameter.
• The tentacles have rows of stinging cells called nematocysts and produce a sticky sensation when touched.
• In the aquarium trade, duncan coral is considered a large-polyp stony coral (LPS) with fast growth and relatively easy care.