ORA Duncan (Duncanopsammia)

Description

Duncan corals originate from Australia, but the specimens sold here are aquacultured by ORA. This strain has been kept in captivity for a long time, making it the perfect coral for a reef aquarium. There are many benefits that come with aquacultured coral which we will discuss later.

Duncan corals  have little variation. The main difference is the size of the polyps and tentacles and the distance between each polyp. This strain of duncan grows closely together with shorter tentacles. As for color, you will see lots of green and blue. The branches are often a bright green color while the polyps have a more teal coloration. The exact coloration can vary depending on the type of lighting and the intensity of the lighting.

While Ducan corals are generally hardy and tolerant to a wide range of conditions, there are conditions that are more favorable. Regarding lighting, duncan corals are not picky. They can be placed under low to moderate lighting. Always err on the low side if you are unsure. If you want to place this coral at the upper end of moderate lighting, start the coral in low light and slowly move it into higher light over a month or a few months. This will greatly reduce the risk of bleaching and color loss.

For flow, duncans are again not picky. They can be given low to strong flow, though you should make sure you don’t give too much flow. The main thing to keep in mind regarding flow is if the coral is open or not and if it is fully extending. Generally, moderate flow is a good place to aim for. If you notice that the coral is frequently closed or not fully extended, this could be caused by too much flow. So, as long as the coral is opening fully, your flow is good.

Being a stony coral, duncans require elevated levels of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium, though nothing more than any other LPS coral. As long as these levels are somewhat close to natural seawater and fairly stable, you should have no issues here. Keep in mind that you are more likely to have issues if you overdose than if you don’t dose at all. As for nutrients, keep your nitrates around 1-5 ppm and your phosphates as close to 0.01 ppm as possible but not 0.

All around duncan corals are easy and simple to care for. That pattern will continue with feeding. Duncan corals, like most corals, contain an algae called zooxanthellae which provides the coral with most of its nutritional needs via photosynthesis. For this reason, they don’t need to be fed. However, feeding can promote better coloration and faster growth. Just don’t over do it, as this can cause nutrient spikes.

Care requirements

Purchase Size: 1″

Placement: You can place this coral anywhere as long as its lighting and flow needs are met.

Lighting: Low to medium

Flow: Moderate.

Parameters:  72-78° F, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 32-35 ppt

Calcium: 350-450 ppm

Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH

Magnesium: 1,250-1,350 ppm

More Information

Corals that have been in captivity for a long time are significantly hardier and better adapted to aquarium life than corals collected from the ocean. There’s a good chance that this ORA duncan coral has been in the hobby longer than you! Aquacultured corals are also far less likely to carry pests and diseases, though you should still dip and/or quarantine them to be safe. By purchasing aquacultured coral and fish, you are decreasing the negative impact the hobby has on the ocean, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly.