WC Australian Maroon Clownfish - Premnas biaculeatus

WC (Wild Caught) Australian Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus)

The WC Australian Maroon Clownfish is a bold, powerful and highly striking wild-caught form of the Maroon Clownfish, known for its deep maroon body colour, strong white to pale body bars and confident behaviour. Also known as the Spine-cheek Anemonefish, this is one of the largest and most territorial clownfish species, with females becoming much larger and more dominant than males. It can make a superb feature fish in a mature marine aquarium, but it should be planned carefully due to its adult size, assertive nature and strong territory defence.

Common Name:
WC Australian Maroon Clownfish. Also commonly referred to as the Australian Maroon Clownfish, Maroon Clownfish, Spine-cheek Anemonefish, Spinecheek Clownfish or Maroon Clown.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Premnas biaculeatus
Also listed in some current taxonomic references as Amphiprion biaculeatus.

Maximum Size:
Around 15–17 cm, with females growing much larger than males. This is one of the largest clownfish species available in the marine aquarium trade.

Water Type:
Marine.

Origin / Natural Habitat:
This wild-caught form is associated with Australian reef regions, including offshore reefs of northern Western Australia, the Torres Strait and Queensland. In the wild, Maroon Clownfish are found around lagoon reefs and seaward reefs, living in close association with Bubble Tip Anemones.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive to aggressive. Juveniles can be manageable, but mature adults, especially females, may become very territorial. Best kept singly or as a bonded pair. Avoid mixing with other clownfish species, very timid fish or delicate community fish in smaller aquariums.

Diet:
Omnivorous. It should be offered a varied marine diet including quality marine pellets, flakes, frozen mysis, brineshrimp, finely chopped seafood, copepods and occasional algae or spirulina-based foods. Wild-caught specimens may need extra patience while settling and should be offered a variety of frozen foods to encourage feeding.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 150 litres for a single specimen, with 250–300 litres or larger preferred for an adult pair or mixed reef community.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is a bold, territorial clownfish that will often choose a preferred section of rockwork, coral, anemone or aquarium structure and defend it strongly. In the wild, it naturally associates with Bubble Tip Anemones, but an anemone is not essential for aquarium care. It may also adopt rockwork, corals or equipment as a territory. Females are dominant and much larger than males, and pairs should be formed with care.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
This species is generally safe with corals and most common reef invertebrates. The main reef consideration is territorial behaviour, as it may chase fish away from its chosen area and may move sand or disturb nearby coral placements if it adopts a particular section of the aquarium.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature marine aquarium with stable water quality, good oxygenation, live rock and clear territory breaks. As this is a wild-caught fish, careful acclimation and quarantine are strongly recommended. If pairing, it is safest to introduce a smaller juvenile with a larger established individual or purchase a known bonded pair. Take care when maintaining the aquarium, as mature Maroon Clownfish may bite when defending their territory.

Suitable for:
Intermediate marine fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade, with wild-caught Australian specimens less common than captive-bred Maroon Clownfish

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.