Maroon Clownfish (Wild Pair)

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The Maroon Clownfish is one of the largest and most distinctive clownfish species available to marine aquarists. Premnas biaculeatus develops a deep maroon to red-brown body with contrasting white to yellowish vertical bars and characteristic cheek spines.

This wild pair consists of two naturally collected Maroon Clownfish being offered together. Established pairs are particularly desirable for reef aquariums and can develop a strong bond with a suitable host anemone.

Maroon Clownfish are highly territorial, especially once paired or established with an anemone. They are best housed as a bonded pair rather than introducing unrelated adults together. A spacious aquarium with plenty of rockwork and a defined territory is recommended.

Their natural host is commonly the Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor), although they can live successfully without an anemone. They are reef safe with corals but may aggressively defend their territory and host area.

Wild specimens should be offered a varied marine diet including quality pellets and flakes alongside frozen foods such as mysis and brine shrimp. Maintaining excellent water quality and stable salinity is particularly important when acclimating wild-caught fish.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Premnas biaculeatus
• Common Name: Maroon Clownfish, Spine-Cheek Clownfish
• Type: Marine clownfish
• Family: Pomacentridae
• Adult Size: Up to approximately 15–17 cm, with females considerably larger than males
• Temperament: Aggressive and highly territorial
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Aquarium: 200 litres for a pair
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• pH: 8.0–8.4
• Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
• Diet: Omnivore; marine pellets, flakes, mysis, brine shrimp and other marine foods
• Tank Level: All levels, usually around its territory or host anemone
• Group Size: Bonded pair
• Reef Safe: Yes, with caution regarding territorial behaviour
• Preferred Host: Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor)
• Origin: Indo-Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Wild Pair" mean?

A wild pair refers to two Maroon Clownfish collected from the wild and offered together as an established or naturally compatible pair. Pairing status should be confirmed at the time of sale.

Are Maroon Clownfish aggressive?

Yes. Maroon Clownfish become particularly territorial as they mature and can aggressively defend their anemone, rockwork and surrounding territory.

Can they be kept with other clownfish?

It is generally not recommended. Maroon Clownfish are highly territorial towards other clownfish and can seriously injure or kill intruders.

Do they need an anemone?

No. They can be successfully maintained without an anemone, although a suitable host such as Entacmaea quadricolor can provide natural behaviour and enrichment.

What should a wild Maroon Clownfish pair eat?

Offer a varied diet of quality marine pellets and flakes supplemented with frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp and other suitable marine foods.

Can Maroon Clownfish breed in an aquarium?

Yes. Established pairs can spawn in captivity, with the female laying eggs on a suitable surface and the male guarding and tending them.

Common Mistakes

• Adding another clownfish to an established Maroon pair.
• Underestimating their territorial behaviour.
• Keeping a pair in an aquarium that is too small.
• Failing to provide adequate rockwork and territory.
• Acclimating wild fish too quickly to different salinity or water conditions.
• Feeding an overly limited diet.