Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish

Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) 

The Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish is an excellent addition to reef aquariums. This species, which typically ranges from bright red to dark shades with three thin white stripes, was originally discovered near Sumatra. The gold stripes, which develop between nine and twelve months of age, start to appear on the head and gradually enhance the fish’s appearance. The Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish are delivered at around 6-7 months old, showing juvenile white stripes before transitioning to their distinctive gold coloration over time.

These clownfish are well-known for their ease of care in aquariums but have a tendency to be aggressive towards each other. If breeding is not a goal, it’s advisable to keep only one per tank. Reports suggest that the gold stripe variation is less aggressive compared to the White Stripe variety. They are among the largest clownfish species, with adult females reaching up to 6 inches in size. Notably long-lived, it has observed pairs spawning for over 35 years.

Captive-bred Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish are highly resilient, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. However, they are sensitive to higher copper levels and should be kept in environments where copper does not exceed 0.15 ppm. Breeding these clownfish at home is relatively straightforward; females are larger, and pairs generally stay close together. They lay their eggs on flat surfaces and guard them from other tankmates. Eggs typically hatch within 8 to 11 days, depending on water temperature. Fry should be raised in a separate tank and fed rotifers followed by baby brine shrimp.

Their diet includes a variety of meaty foods and herbivore preparations. When handling Maroon Clownfish, avoid using nets to prevent injury from their cheek spines; instead, use a specimen container if necessary. Approximate purchase sizes are Small (¾” to 1¾”) and Large (2″ to 3″).