Haliptilon · also called Red Fern, Flaming Phoenix, Jania
Haliptilon is a hobby name for small, jointed coralline red algae with fine, fern-like branching and rich red color. WoRMS and AlgaeBase treat it as a synonym of Jania, so this page and the Jania page cover the same genus. Being calcified, it draws down calcium and alkalinity. Keepers have little experience with it, though one form is described as easy.
Educational only. Some KinStation entries are reviewed by licensed veterinarians, but none can replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
Quick facts
Category
Marine & Algae
Family
Corallinaceae
Native origin
Tropical and temperate seas; kept forms have no recorded origin
Care difficulty
Intermediate
Light
Medium light
Pet toxicity
Toxicity unknown
Light
Moderate to bright reef lighting is a reasonable start, since its close relatives need bright light. Actinic light shows off the deep red fluorescence reported for Red Fern. Keepers have little specific data, so introduce a new piece under moderate light and raise it slowly.
Water
Standard reef parameters: 23-27 C (74-80 F), salinity ~1.025 SG, pH 8.1-8.4. Its jointed skeleton is calcified, so keep calcium (~400-450 ppm), alkalinity (8-11 dKH) and magnesium (~1300 ppm) stable, and avoid swings. It competes with corals for these minerals in a shared tank.
Soil & potting
Grows on hard surfaces rather than in sand. Tie or wedge a small piece against rock or rubble so it cannot roll in the flow, and leave the fine branches free. Keepers have little recorded detail on how quickly it attaches, so give a new piece time before moving it.
Environment — humidity, temperature, placement
A display or macroalgae tank with moderate flow at standard reef temperature, 23-27 C (74-80 F), is a cautious starting point. Site it where you can see it under actinic light if you want the glow. One hobby guide reports a Florida relative doing well in the low to mid 70s F.
Propagation
Keepers have little record of propagating it. Flaming Phoenix is described as easy to care for, and growth in jointed corallines is generally slow. If a plant does well, trim a small branch and secure it to rubble, leaving the parent plant mostly whole.
Toxicity detail
No toxicity data for tank animals was found, so the rating stays unknown. Calcified tissue tends to be unpalatable to herbivorous fish, which helps it persist, though urchins may threaten coralline algae generally. No smothering or chemical risk to corals is recorded.
Varieties & cultivars
Natural forms are the wild species; cultivars are selectively-bred colour or variegation forms of the same plant.
Natural forms2
Red Fern
Haliptilon sp. A small red alga with a fern-like outline, similar in form to Caulerpa mexicana. It fluoresces deep red under actinic lighting.
Actinic light shows off its fluorescence. Little else is recorded about its care.
Flaming Phoenix
Haliptilon sp. A rare, elegant red alga with intricately branching growth. Despite its showy look it is easy to keep.
Considered easy to care for. Little else is recorded, so keep conditions stable.
KinStation
Medium light
Actinic light shows off its fluorescence. Little else is recorded about its care.