Duncan coral reef compatibility check
Duncanopsammia axifuga
Duncan coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga) is a beginner-level LPS coral that needs at least 20 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; retracts under harsh direct flow. Plan moderate light and moderate flow (placement: lower to middle reef). Add it as middle-stage livestock once the tank is at least 2 months old.
Forgiving LPS that is easier than many showpiece fleshy corals.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 20+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 20 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 2+ months old.
- ✕ Retracts under harsh direct flow.
Compatibility warnings
- Retracts under harsh direct flow.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 20 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- Hold this entry until the system has at least 2 months of maturity or equivalent stability evidence.
- Placement should be validated against measured PAR, turbulent flow, allelopathy/stinging distance, and future colony growth.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 20 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This animal should wait until the tank has enough age, food web stability, or parameter history.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- Varies
- Placement
- lower to middle reef
- Diet
- Photosynthetic; readily accepts meaty foods.
- Flow
- Moderate
- Light
- Moderate
- Bioload
- 0.4
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Acan coral
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Blastomussa coral
Same 20-gallon floor, low light.
- Bubble coral
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Candy cane coral
Same 20-gallon floor.
Equipment that fits
- Kessil A160WE Tuna Blue LED
Lists about 120 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED Black
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED White
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does duncan coral need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 20 gallons, plus growth space and the stability a larger water volume gives.
Is duncan coral reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Retracts under harsh direct flow.
Is duncan coral good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care, though it should wait until the tank is about 2+ months old.
How much light and flow does duncan coral need?
ReefCrafter lists a moderate light need and moderate flow (placement: lower to middle reef). In planner terms that starts around 100 PAR.