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Maroon Clownfish© Nick Hobgood (Nhobgood) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Maroon Clownfish

The Maroon Clownfish is one of the largest clownfish species, with a deep red to maroon-brown body marked by three white bands and a distinctive pair of cheek spines. Females can grow to about 17cm, far larger than males. Known for a notably feisty temperament, this species cannot be kept with other clownfish besides a same-species male partner, so tankmate planning takes some care. On the plus side, it's hardy and adaptable, making it a popular choice for beginner saltwater aquarists. Watching it nestle into a host anemone and carry itself with such a bold presence is part of what makes this fish so rewarding to keep.

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Maroon Clownfish key facts

Care level
Beginner-friendly
Lifespan
8-15 years
Size
Up to 17cm (commonly around 13cm)
Temperature
22〜26℃
Diet
Pellets, frozen food, algae-based food (omnivore)
Notes
The most aggressive clownfish. Females grow large and relentlessly attack other clownfish and peaceful fish. Handle with a net, mindful of the cheek spines.
Container & Tank
114 L (30 gallons) or larger. A bubble-tip anemone helps it settle but is not required.
Water Temperature & Quality
22-26°C, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Hardy and fairly tolerant of water quality swings.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivore. Pellets and frozen food plus algae-based food once or twice daily.
Tank Mates & Compatibility
One pair per tank, never with other clownfish. Limit tank mates to robust mid-sized fish. Safe with corals and invertebrates.
TraitsClownfishLargeAggressiveCaptive bredMarine fish

About Maroon Clownfish

Meet the Maroon Clownfish: the largest clownfish species, with a deep red body, three white bands, and cheek spines. Females reach 17cm and can be feisty, yet this hardy fish suits beginner saltwater keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Maroon Clownfish

  1. 1Choosing Tankmates Carefully

    Maroon Clownfish are extremely aggressive and cannot be housed with other clownfish, except a same-species male partner. If pairing with other saltwater fish, choose species of similar temperament and size, and think carefully about the order in which fish are added.

  2. 2Plan for a Large Adult Size

    Females can reach up to 17cm, growing far larger than males, making this one of the biggest clownfish species. Set up a tank with enough room to accommodate their full adult size.

  3. 3Anemone Symbiosis

    Like other clownfish, Maroon Clownfish often form a symbiotic relationship with a host anemone. It's not required for their care, but if you want to see this behavior, introduce a compatible anemone slowly and monitor how they adjust.

  4. 4Managing Strong Territoriality

    This species is highly territorial and can become quite aggressive. Providing hiding spots and visual breaks in the tank layout helps reduce conflicts, even when keeping it alone.

  5. 5Beginner-Friendly Care

    Maroon Clownfish are considered suitable for beginners and adapt reasonably well to changes in water conditions. With basic saltwater aquarium knowledge, most keepers can get started without major issues.

  6. 6Enjoying Individual Coloration

    Its deep red to maroon-brown body, three white bands, and cheek spines give it a distinctive look, and coloring and band width can vary between individuals. Picking out a favorite is part of the fun.

  7. 7Preparing the Tank in Advance

    Before bringing one home, make sure your tank is fully cycled with stable filtration. Given its territorial nature, setting up live rock and hiding places ahead of time helps it settle in calmly.

Frequently asked questions about Maroon Clownfish

Q.Can it be kept with other clownfish?
A.Generally, no. Maroon Clownfish are extremely aggressive and cannot be housed with other clownfish except a same-species male partner. If you want to mix species, pair it with non-clownfish tankmates and introduce them carefully.
Q.How large does it grow?
A.Females can reach up to about 17cm, growing far larger than males. Many individuals settle around 13cm, though size varies by individual.
Q.Is it suitable for beginners?
A.Yes, this species is generally considered beginner-friendly and tolerates changes in water conditions reasonably well. That said, its aggressive temperament means tankmate choices need extra care.
Q.Does it need a host anemone?
A.No, an anemone isn't required and it can be kept perfectly well without one. Like other clownfish, though, it may form a symbiotic relationship with a host anemone if one is introduced carefully.
Q.How can you tell males from females?
A.There aren't many clear external differences, but females grow noticeably larger than males as they mature. This size difference becomes easier to spot as the fish ages.

Useful tools for Maroon Clownfish care

💧Aquarium Volume CalculatorCalculate water volume, weight, and heater wattage from tank dimensions🧪Water Quality CheckerFind compatible fish, shrimp, plants & corals based on pH, temperature & hardness🍽️Feeding GuideCheck feeding frequency, portion sizes & supplements by species and growth stage🤝Compatibility CheckerCheck compatibility between two species on a 5-level scale📊Fish Compatibility MatrixCheck fish compatibility at a glance with our matrix chart🔄Nitrogen Cycle GuideAuto-calculate bacteria colonization timeline for new tank cycling🗓️Seasonal Care CalendarMonthly care events and seasonal management tips at a glance🚿Water Change CalculatorAuto-calculate optimal water change frequency and volume by tank size and fish count🐠Stocking CalculatorCalculate max fish capacity for your tank size with overstocking alerts🏞️Tank Layout PlannerGet substrate, plant & hardscape suggestions based on tank size and style🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity⚖️Species Comparison ToolCompare two species side by side: care difficulty, size, lifespan & temperature🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance⏱️Quarantine & Acclimation TimerManage quarantine periods and acclimation steps with countdown timers. Includes recommended durations by species

Learn more about Maroon Clownfish in the encyclopedia

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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

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