Not furry either, still lovely.
Duncan Coral
Duncanopsammia axifuga
Also called Whisker coral, Duncanops, Duncanops coral
From Australia and the South China Sea, on hard bottom in areas dominated by soft sand.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Diameter of a single polyp's disc; the tube-shaped skeleton under each polyp is 10-14 mm wide. Colonies keep branching and can become large.
Looks how to spot one
Large-polyp stony coral (LPS) with tube-shaped branches
Each polyp sits on top of a long stony tube, and the tubes fork now and then to build a branching colony. The polyp has a broad, flat round disc ringed by fine tentacles, so a group looks like a cluster of tiny anemones.12
Personality what they are like
A calm, forgiving coral that is happy low in the tank. Its tentacles carry stinging cells for catching food, so a little space from neighbouring corals is sensible.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A sessile coral; its tentacles stay extended around the clock and benefit from gentle water movement that carries food past them.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Considered an easy large-polyp stony coral. Keep water chemistry stable (reef guidance: pH about 8.2-8.6, alkalinity 7-12 dKH, calcium 400-450 ppm). Keepers propagate it by separating individual polyps from the base.13
Home where they are happiest
An established reef aquarium at about 24-27 C (75-80 F), with low to moderate light and low to moderate current. Place it low down, on the sand bed or a low rock, echoing its wild home among sandy patches.13
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Uses light through symbiotic algae and also catches plankton with its tentacles; it can be target-fed by placing phytoplankton or zooplankton foods directly onto the polyps.12
Company who they like around
A colonial coral that needs no companions; new polyps bud off as the colony grows.1
The story where it all began
The coral was scientifically described by Wells in 1936 and sits alone in its genus. Once known mainly from deeper Australian waters, it became a favourite of reef keepers thanks to its easy care and quick growth.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the only species in its genus, Duncanopsammia.1
- 2
Its tentacles can stay out day and night and sometimes form a carpet that hides the shape of the skeleton underneath.2
- 3
Sources give different wild depths: one says usually below 20 m, another says up to about 30 m.2
- 4
Sun corals (Tubastraea) look similar but lack the light-using algae that Duncan corals carry.2
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (Wells)
- Described by Wells in 1936; the only species in the genus Duncanopsammia.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Duncan Coral. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
- Salinity checkevery week
- Water testevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Light checkevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Duncan Coral?
Feeding depends on how much light it gets, as it uses light through symbiotic algae and also catches plankton. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on species, many feed from the light and the water, so offer small target feedings a few times a week if you like. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet or a good reef keeper.12 Furry Diary plan
What does a Duncan Coral eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats plankton caught by its tentacles and can be target-fed with phytoplankton or zooplankton foods placed directly on the polyps. It should never eat meaty foods meant for fish or anything not designed for corals, as that could harm it. Stick to coral-specific foods and ask your vet if unsure.12
How much space does a Duncan Coral need?
It is a colonial coral that grows by budding new polyps, so give it room to expand on a low rock or sand bed. A little space from neighbouring corals is sensible because its tentacles carry stinging cells. In an established reef aquarium, place it low down with low to moderate current.123
What temperature, light or water does a Duncan Coral need?
It needs an established reef aquarium at about 24-27 C (75-80 F), with low to moderate light and low to moderate current. Keep water chemistry stable, with pH around 8.2-8.6, alkalinity 7-12 dKH, and calcium 400-450 ppm. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly salinity checks and water tests, plus daily top-ups with fresh RO water.13 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Duncan Coral's home?
Clean its home by doing a water change about every 14 days, replacing 10 to 20% of the water, and top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Check salinity and water chemistry weekly, and inspect the light monthly. This keeps the environment stable and healthy for the coral. Furry Diary plan
Can a Duncan Coral live with others?
Yes, it can live with other corals, but give it a little space from neighbours because its tentacles have stinging cells for catching food. It needs no companions itself, as new polyps bud off to form a colony. Place it low down to avoid conflicts with more aggressive corals.1
How long does a Duncan Coral live?
With stable water chemistry and proper care, it can live for many years, as it is a hardy large-polyp stony coral. Its lifespan depends on tank conditions, so keep water quality consistent. Ask a good reef keeper or vet for specific longevity expectations.13
Can I handle a Duncan Coral?
It is best not to handle it directly, as its tentacles carry stinging cells that can irritate skin. If you must move it, use gloves or a tool and handle the stony base gently. Always wash your hands after working in the tank.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Duncanopsammia axifuga - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, range, size, colour, care, feeding, propagation
- Duncanopsammia axifuga - Corals of the World coralsoftheworld.orgused for colony form, corallite size, polyps, colour, habitat, depth, look-alikes
- Reef aquarium - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for general reef water parameters
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.