The Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus), also known as the Spine-cheeked Anemonefish, is a species of anemonefish found in the Indo-Pacific from western Indonesia to Taiwan and the Great Barrier Reef.

Distribution and Habitat

The Maroon Clownfish is found in the Malay Archipelago and Western Pacific Ocean north of the Great Barrier Reef. It is highly specialized with only one species of anemone host, the bubble-tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor).

Physical Description

The Maroon Clownfish can grow up to 17 cm (6.7 in). Females are one of the largest anemonefish while males are much smaller at 6 to 7 cm. The body color ranges from maroon to dark brown in females, while males and juveniles are bright red-orange. The fish has three body bars which may be white, grey, or yellow. The characteristic spine on the cheek gives this species its common name.

Diet and Feeding

The Maroon Clownfish feeds on algae and zooplankton. In captivity it accepts a varied diet including flakes, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and pellets.

Behavior and Reproduction

This species is the most aggressive and territorial of all anemonefish. It is a sequential hermaphrodite with a strict size-based dominance hierarchy. It is usually found as a single mated pair rather than in a hierarchical group.

Aquarium Care

Being one of the larger and most aggressive anemonefish, these characteristics need to be accommodated in any aquarium setup. It requires a tank of at least 30 gallons. It is considered reef-safe.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.