Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) Care Guide

The largest and most aggressive clownfish species, reaching up to 17 cm. Has a deep maroon body with three distinctive white or gold bands. Named for the spine on its cheek.

Overview

Premnas biaculeatus is a species in the family Pomacentridae. The largest and most aggressive clownfish species, reaching up to 17 cm. Has a deep maroon body with three distinctive white or gold bands. Named for the spine on its cheek. Females are significantly larger and more dominant than males.

Taxonomy

Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Premnas
Scientific name: Premnas biaculeatus
Other names: Spine-Cheeked Clownfish
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Distributed across the Indo-Pacific from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Great Barrier Reef. The largest of all anemonefishes; lives exclusively with the bubble-tip anemone Entacmaea quadricolor. Currently placed in the monotypic genus Premnas.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 150 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 10-17 cm
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Large Wrasses, Tangs, Large Angelfish
Avoid with: Other Clownfish, Small Fish, Peaceful Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: substrate-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate