Duncan Corals (Duncanpsammia) Coral For Sale

Duncan corals:
These corals belong to the genus Duncania — often referred to simply as “Duncans.” While they do have a less commonly used name, whisker coral, most enthusiasts prefer the nickname “Duncans.”
Recognized for being particularly suitable for beginners, these large polyp stony (LPS) corals predominantly hail from the waters surrounding Australia. Duncans made a splash in the aquatic community approximately a decade ago and have since become a popular choice for coral aficionados.
Some interesting facts about Duncan corals include:
They are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, making them a beautiful addition to any reef tank.
Duncans are relatively hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, making them an ideal choice for beginner reef keepers.
These corals have long tentacles that extend outward to capture food
, which contributes to their characterization as a “peaceful predator” in the home aquarium. It’s important for enthusiasts to note that while Duncans are not aggressive towards other corals, they do require adequate space to accommodate their feeding tentacles when fully extended. Providing a moderate water flow and low to moderate lighting conditions can simulate their natural habitat and encourage growth and coloration. Moreover, routine feedings with meaty foods such as mysis or brine shrimp can result in more rapid expansion and vitality of Duncan coral colonies.
Propagation of Duncan corals is a straightforward process, making it an appealing aspect for coral hobbyists. With the right conditions, these corals can grow quite rapidly. Aquarists can easily fragment the Duncan coral to create new colonies, a practice known as “fragging.” This is not only beneficial for expanding personal reef collections but also serves as a method for sustainable coral propagation, reducing the need for wild harvesting. It’s vital, however, for those performing fragging to do so responsibly, ensuring that the parent coral is healthy and that the frags are given ample time to recover and thrive.
Caring for Duncan corals involves several key maintenance routines to ensure their health and longevity in an aquarium setting. To begin with, maintaining stable water chemistry is paramount. A consistent calcium level of 400-450 ppm and alkalinity between 8-12 dKH are essential for the skeletal growth of these corals. It’s also important to keep the nitrate and phosphate levels low to prevent algae growth that could potentially compete with or smother the corals.
Regular water changes, typically around 10-20% every two weeks, can help remove toxins and replenish trace elements. To mimic the natural currents that Duncans experience in the wild, a moderate and intermittent water flow should be provided. This not only delivers nutrients to the coral but also aids in waste removal. Care should be taken to place them out of direct, high-velocity currents to avoid stress.
Lighting is another crucial factor for Duncan coral health; they thrive best under moderate lighting conditions. LED lights with adjustable intensity settings offer a convenient way to provide optimal lighting while also enabling the beautiful fluorescence of these corals to be exhibited.
Lastly, while Duncans can capture their food from the water column, they benefit from targeted feedings. Using a pipette to directly feed each polyp with small-measured amounts of meaty foods like shrimp or specialized coral foods can promote growth and maintain their vibrant coloration. It should be done two to three times a week, being cautious not to overfeed as this could degrade water quality. With proper care, Duncan corals can be a resilient and rewarding choice for reef aquarium hobbyists.