This interesting red macro algae is one of the only species that has a brown coloration. It features tall, irregular and stiff uprights composed of smaller, pointed branches. It is often confused with Laurencia as it has similar characteristics, but the branches of this species are much finer and more compact. This species has a single holdfast that attaches to rocks, shells and other hard bottom habitat, typically in shallow costal habitats with strong tidal surge. A fast grower, it can be invasive in reef aquariums so care must be taken to regularly prune each specimen. It’s collected in shallow water from the low tide zone to depths of about 10ft. If placed under strong lighting, it often has a brilliant white appearance.
Scientific Name: Ancanthopora spicifera
Common Name: Fire Fern
Origin: Gulf of Mexico. Atlantic, Caribbean
Maximum Height : 8″
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light: Moderate to High
Temperature: 78-86
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Easy
Food Value: Not very palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Good
Flow Rate: Moderate to High