Maroon Clownfish

The Maroon Clownfish is the largest and most aggressive member of the clownfish family, commanding respect with its imposing size and bold temperament. This species features a deep maroon to dark red body with three prominent white or gold bars, depending on the geographic variant. Gold-stripe Maroon Clownfish from Sumatra are particularly prized for their brilliant yellow-gold banding. A pair of sharp cheek spines give this species its alternate name and serve as a clear visual warning of its defensive capabilities.

Female Maroon Clownfish can grow to over six inches, making them significantly larger than most other clownfish species. They form extremely strong bonds with their host anemones, particularly Entacmaea quadricolor (Bubble Tip Anemone), and will aggressively defend their territory against all perceived intruders, including the aquarist's hands. This fierce territorial behavior is legendary in the hobby and must be considered when planning tankmates.

Despite their aggressive reputation, Maroon Clownfish are hardy, disease-resistant, and long-lived, capable of thriving for over a decade in proper care. They are protandrous hermaphrodites like all clownfish, with the dominant individual becoming female. Captive-bred specimens, including designer morphs like Lightning Maroon and Gold Nugget, are widely available and tend to be somewhat less aggressive than wild-caught fish.