Holy Grail Torch (8)

Duncan Coral Care | The Happy Reef

Duncan Coral is a hardy, fast-growing LPS with large fleshy polyps, bright green centres and a crown of flowing tentacles. Each polyp sits on its own branching skeleton, and a well-established Duncan can develop from just a few heads into an impressive, densely packed colony.

Duncans are particularly rewarding because their growth is easy to see. New heads typically appear as small buds around the base of existing polyps before developing their own branches. They are also enthusiastic feeders and will visibly close around food, making them an excellent coral for someone wanting an interactive and straightforward first LPS.

Scientific Name: Duncanopsammia axifuga

PAR: 75?175

Flow: Low to moderate. Gentle, varied flow that keeps the tentacles moving naturally without continuously pushing them in one direction is ideal.

Placement: Low Third to Mid Third

Feeding: Beneficial. Duncans are photosynthetic but are excellent feeders and readily accept mysis, finely chopped seafood and suitable coral foods. Regular occasional feeding can noticeably increase the rate at which new heads develop.

Care Notes: One of the more forgiving LPS corals and an excellent choice for newer reef keepers. Duncans can grow surprisingly quickly with stable reef parameters and regular feeding, gradually producing an impressive branching colony. They are also relatively peaceful compared with many other fleshy LPS corals.