Duncans - Duncanopsamia axifuga

Discussion in 'Coral of the Month' started by MDeth, Jun 14, 2007.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. MDeth

    MDeth Feather Star

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2007
    Messages:
    790
    Location:
    IL
    Duncanopsamia axifuga
    June 2007 - Coral of the Month

    [​IMG]

    Type: LPS
    Origin: Australia

    Aquarium Needs


    Lighting:
    Some consider it to be like a dendro, although it likes light as well as any food you can give it :)
    I originally had mine at the bottom of the tank, and since moving 1/2way up they have expanded 3x! They went from penny/nickel sized to about 1" at times!

    Water Quality:
    Good. May be sensitive to nitrates, but it seems most Aussie corals are quite hardy.

    Current:
    Really doesn't matter. They seem to like a flow random flow, but they can fully encase themselves in their skeleton (easy to remove waste from themselves). High flow will make the polyps smaller and possibly stress them as with any LPS coral

    Feeding: As much as you can :p Feed at least every other day, but you could feed 2x daily if it'll take it.

    Growth:
    They grow like hammers, frogspawns, candycanes etc, by separating branches. Growth is usually based on feeding with LPS corals. I've only had my two heads for a short time, but will update if i get a split!
    I have heard reports of a new head or two every month with regular feeding.

    Aggressiveness: It is an LPS which all have stinging tentacles so care should be taken to place them at least 2" away from other coral. Mine can rise about 1" out of the tube, and expand to about 1.5" at the biggest during the day. Don't worry about shrimp with these guys (I hope...) One of my sexy shrimp hosts them and actually sits on the mouth!

    Personal Observations

    This is my new FAVORITE coral! Honestly...I could have 50+ heads in my BC14 and be happy :)

    Their tentacles are very 'sticky' and very easy to target feed. Just point and squeeze :)
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2007
  2. Click Here!

  3. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2003
    Messages:
    5,538
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC,Canada
    Just starting to see these in Canada, but the only ones I've seen so far are beige with a hint of green. Are there other colours?
    Any Pics

    J
     
  4. MDeth

    MDeth Feather Star

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2007
    Messages:
    790
    Location:
    IL
    Just added pics, there are 3 varities I've seen

    check out zoafrags.com Hes got a 'tricolor' as well as the green pictured.

    Then there are the ones you are referring to.

    ps - I borrowed the pic, so I'll have to replace it when I get my g/fs camera
     
  5. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2003
    Messages:
    5,538
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC,Canada
    I was too fast I did realize you just posted. Very cool coral.

    J
     
  6. sharkatak

    sharkatak Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    105
    These are from my LFS.Same Duncan different camera settings.It is bigger than a basketball and extends up to 2 inches.I have the green one in MDeths pic. duncan 1 002_edited (Small).jpg

    duncan 1 003_edited (Small).jpg
     
  7. coral reefer

    coral reefer Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
    Messages:
    4,860
    Location:
    Wonderland
    Nice!! I plan on getting these soon!
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2007
    Messages:
    4,884
    Location:
    Louisville, GA
    very nice! I love the color! can I put that in my tank? I'd love to start with a pretty one!
     
  10. sharkatak

    sharkatak Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    105
    They are very hardy.Mine has been in temps. up to 35C and it's still thriving.It seems to like a lot of light.Loves a feed.
     
  11. MDeth

    MDeth Feather Star

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2007
    Messages:
    790
    Location:
    IL
    Aussie anything seems to be HARDY. I hear many rumors now that the Aussie elegance corals actual LIVE in captivity :)

    BTW, I'm going to have a crazy new FTS soon :p
     
    1 person likes this.
  12. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    Nice pick on coral of the month. 8)
    Karma your way!