A very popular species of red algae for use in the aquarium. Species of Haliptilon feature calcified or heavily calcified branches with fern or feather shaped blades. Depending on the individual species, they are red or pinkish in coloration and typically grow in the reef flat and tidal zone on rocks and as epiphytic algae on other plants. Currently the red fern (left) is the only species of Haliptilon available in the aquarium hobby today. It’s typically found as a colony or multiple colonies attached to smaller pieces of imported live rock. Although most species of Haliptilon are considered temperate water algae, they can tolerate warmer temperatures and do very well in the marine aquarium.
Scientific Name: Haliptilon sp.
Common Name: Red Fern, Smooth Kelp
Origin: Indonesia, S. Pacific
Maximum Height : 8″
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light: Moderate to High
Temperature: 60-78
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Easy
Food Value: Somewhat Palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Fair
Flow Rate: Moderate