Red Sea Fan

Swiftia sp

Saltwater Coral Species Group: Swiftia Sea Fan Family: Plexauridae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

 pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

 NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

 NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

 PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

 NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

 Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

 KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

 Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

 SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

 ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Red Sea Fan

General information

In general, sea fans coming from the genus Swiftia has a single main stem that arises from a small and narrow base. This genus of sea fan is sparsely branched and small in size that usually measures only 80 millimeter (3 inches) in height on the average. Their polyps are arranged irregularly and each polyp is supported by 8 spindle-like sclerites which is a spiny skeletal structure.

As for the Red Sea Fan, they are predominantly colored red with white tentacles. This are the water parameters for cultivating Red Sea Fan:

  • Calcium: 420 – 440 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 2.86 – 4.259 MEQ/L (8 – 12 dKH)
  • Phosphates: > 0.10 mg/L
  • Magnesium: 1260 – 1350
  • Strontium: 8 -10 mg/L
  • Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° – 26° C)
  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4

Diet & nutrition

The Red Sea Fan is not a photosynthetic species. They get their nourishment by snatching small foods present in the water like plankton. Supplemental feeding is highly advised where you can give them brine shrimp and mysis.

Determining sex

The Red Sea Fan should be placed at the bottom portion of the tank. You may need a gel glue or putty to fasten them on an exposed rock.

Breeding & spawning

The Red Sea Fan only requires minimal lighting but a strong flow of water. This is the reason why they should be placed at the bottom of the tank.

Origination

The Red Sea Fan are a subtropical species found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the USA and Canada.

Cautions

While the Red Sea Fan is not aggressive, you still need to give ample space between other species corals. What you should be cautious is during the handling process since the branches are highly brittle and can easily break off.

Acclimation process

Red Sea Fan are purely marine species. Therefore, salinity must be entirely maintained from 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.

All photos

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