TheMaroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) is a striking and popular choice. Known for its deep maroon body and distinctive white or gold stripes (depending on the variant), it's important to understand their specific care needs, especially their potential for aggression.
Appearance:
- Deep maroon body colour.
- Typically has three white or gold (in the Gold Stripe Maroon variant) bars. The middle bar often has a characteristic "spine" or bulge.
- Females are significantly larger than males.
Natural Habitat and Distribution:
- Found in the Indo-Pacific, ranging from western Indonesia to Taiwan and the Great Barrier Reef.
- They are naturally associated with specific anemones.
Aquarium Care (Intermediate to Advanced due to aggression):
- Minimum Tank Size: A 30-gallon (113 litres) tank is the absolute minimum for a single, smaller Maroon Clownfish. However, due to their territorial nature and potential adult size, a 40-gallon or larger tank is highly recommended, especially for a pair or if keeping with other fish.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
- Ammonia and nitrite should be 0 ppm.
- Nitrate should be kept below 20 ppm.
- Diet:
- Omnivorous: They require a varied diet of both meaty and plant-based foods.
- Offer high-quality marine flake and pellet foods, frozen Mysis and brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and algae-based foods.
- Feed 1-2 times daily.
- Temperament:
- Aggressive: Maroon Clownfish are known to be one of the most aggressive clownfish species, especially females.
- They become increasingly territorial as they mature.
- It's generally best to keep them singly or as a true mated pair. Introducing two similarly sized individuals can lead to intense fighting, especially between females.
- They can be aggressive towards other clownfish species and smaller, more docile fish.
- Reef Compatibility: Generally reef safe with corals and most invertebrates. However, they may choose a coral as a host, which can sometimes irritate the coral.
- Tank Setup:
- Provide ample live rock to create hiding places and territories.
- A sandy substrate is ideal.
- While they don't need an anemone to survive, they readily host in Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor), Sebae Anemones (Heteractis crispa), and Carpet Anemones (Stichodactyla spp.). Providing a suitable host anemone can help them feel secure and display more natural behaviours. Ensure the anemone's needs (especially lighting and flow) are met.
- Moderate water flow is suitable.
Adult Size:
- Female Maroon Clownfish are one of the largest clownfish species, reaching up to 6 inches (15 cm) or even slightly larger in some cases.
- Males are significantly smaller, typically reaching about 2.5-3 inches (6-7.5 cm).
Compatibility:
- Best kept: Singly or as a true mated pair (ideally formed when young or introduced very carefully).
- Generally compatible with: Larger, more robust fish that can hold their own, such as larger angelfish, tangs, and wrasses. Introduce the clownfish last to a well-established tank to minimize territorial aggression.
- Avoid with: Other clownfish species, small and timid fish that will be bullied. Exercise caution with dwarf angelfish.
