Duncan Not Opening

Andi · Jul 3, 2016

Hi folks, and happy weekend of the 4th!

Our beautiful duncan has been tucked inside for the last week and, as such, hasn't been grabbing hold of the mysis shrimp bits that he usually eats. Parameters are good to go, and nothing has changed feeding/lighting/fish-wise. Any ideas? Am I just overreacting as a saltwater newbie? He's usually big, branchy, and has been growing well!

The last week, he's looked like this:

In all his glory (pre-growth):

The wee ones:

Appreciate all your help and expertise!

Scubabum · Jul 3, 2016

Hi Andi. About 4 months ago I added a Duncan frag with two heads to my tank. About a week in, I had a couple of baby heads just like in your pictures. My Duncan stayed retracted for several weeks. I just left it alone and now it has 7 heads that are growing daily. Hopefully the same is occurring for you. Have a great 4th.

Quah · Jul 3, 2016

Andi, I wouldn't be too worried about your duncanops he is obviously splitting but he is still very fleshy although he is not showing full PE. I would not target feed him until he opens back up and just let it do its thing until then, if he hasn't lost any color or his corallites aren't showing he is probably perfectly healthy. You can always try moving to lower flow or something if you've moved him recently but it looks like hes trying to open up in the first picture.