Maroon Clownfish, also known as the Spine-cheeked Anemonefish, is a fish species found in the Indo-Pacific region.
It lives near reefs and lagoons. Maroon Clownfish have a special relationship with sea anemones, where they’re not affected by their stinging tentacles.
They eat algae and zooplankton in their natural habitat. Maroon Clownfish are associated with Entacmaea quadricolor anemones and can be bred in captivity.
They are active during daytime hours but may show aggression toward other reef lifeforms.
Maroon Clownfish Interesting Facts
- Maroon Clownfish change gender based on size and hierarchy; the largest becomes female while the smaller ones remain male.
- They form pairs for breeding, with males guarding eggs that stick to underwater surfaces.
- These fish have a special relationship with sea anemones and are immune to their stinging tentacles.
- Found in the Indo-West Pacific region, they can be bred in captivity and display aggression toward other reef lifeforms.
Maroon Clownfish Habitat
Maroon Clownfish is a tropical fish found in the Indo-West Pacific region, including countries like India, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, New Britain, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and northern Queensland in Australia.
This fish lives in marine environments near coral reefs and doesn’t migrate. It’s found at depths of 1 to 16 meters (3 to 52 feet).
The geographic range of this species is between latitudes 28°N to 26°S and longitudes 83°E to 178°W.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Maroon Clownfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters)
Maroon Clownfish grows up to 6.7 inches (17.0 centimeters) long but usually is around 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters).
This fish has 10 spines on its back, along with 17 to 18 softer rays. It also has two anal spines and 13 to 15 soft rays near its bottom fin.
A unique feature of this fish is a noticeable spine on the side of its head that goes across the face stripe.
Young male Maroon Clownfish have bright red colors, while females turn dark maroon or almost black as they age.
Males are generally smaller than females in size. Their body depth is about twice their length.
Maroon Clownfish Reproduction
Maroon Clownfish change gender based on their size and hierarchy within their group.
The largest is always female, followed by the breeding male, and then smaller males that don’t breed.
If the main female dies, the breeding male becomes female, and a non-breeding male takes its place.
Maroon Clownfish usually form pairs with males being smaller than females. They lay eggs to reproduce. During breeding, they form distinct pairs.
Their eggs stick to surfaces underwater on the ocean floor or other solid structures.
Male clownfish protect and supply oxygen to the eggs by fanning water over them.
Maroon Clownfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Premnas |
| Scientific Name: | Premnas biaculeatus |
| Also Known As: | Maroon Clownfish, Spine-cheeked Anemonefish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |