Duncan Coral: Toxic Pinwheel LPS for Moderate-Light Reef Tanks with Gentle Flow and Branching Growth

This Toxic Pinwheel Duncan coral is a hardy LPS choice for reef keepers who want natural movement under moderate lighting. Its fleshy, flowing tentacles create a lively display, while branching growth can form multiple heads and bring extra depth to the aquascape.

Place it where indirect flow can move the tentacles without battering them. Consistent reef parameters, gradual lighting acclimation, and suitable feeding support healthy polyp extension, coloration, and steady growth.

Key Features

• Moderate-light flexibility: A PAR range of 80–150 allows placement in many middle or lower areas of a reef tank while supporting photosynthesis.
• Comfortable water movement: Gentle to moderate indirect flow lets the tentacles sway naturally while carrying away debris and delivering nutrients.
• Approachable LPS care: Duncan corals are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for reef keepers across experience levels when water conditions remain stable.
• Branching visual growth: The Candy Cane-like growth pattern develops multiple heads, adding texture and a fuller colony shape as the coral grows.
• Flexible nutrition: The coral receives light-driven energy from symbiotic zooxanthellae and can take fine-particle foods, mysis shrimp, or finely chopped seafood for added nutritional support.
• Gentler transitions: Beginning in lower light and increasing exposure over two to three weeks reduces stress and the risk of bleaching during acclimation.

Specifications

• Scientific name: Duncanopsammia axifuga.
• Coral type: Large Polyp Stony (LPS).
• Recommended lighting: 80–150 PAR.
• Recommended water flow: Gentle to moderate.
• Temperature range: 75–80°F.
• Salinity range: 1.024–1.026.
• Calcium range: 380–450 ppm.
• Alkalinity range: 8–9.5 dKH.
• Magnesium range: 1250–1350 ppm.
• Nitrate range: 5–15 ppm.
• Phosphate level: Below 0.10 ppm.
• Lighting acclimation period: 2–3 weeks.
• Mounting method: Secure to rockwork or a stable ledge with reef-safe glue or epoxy.

Give this Duncan coral a stable position, moderate light, and a soft indirect current where its tentacles can open comfortably. Target feeding during active evening hours can provide extra nutrition as its branching form develops into a more substantial reef display.