Ancanthophora spicifera

This attractive red algae features a brown or rust coloration with irregular, stiff uprights composed of smaller, pointed branches. It's sometimes confused with species of Laurencia as it has similar characteristics but the branches of this type are much finer and more compact. This species is typically found only in shallow water to depths of no more than about 5 feet. It's attached by a single holdfast to rocks, shells and other hard bottom habitat. It's a very fast grower and can be invasive in reef aquariums so care must be taken to regularly prune the overgrowth. If placed under strong lighting, it often has a brilliant white appearance in the aquarium.

Scientific Name: Ancanthopora spiciferara

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

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