Care
The Maroon Clownfish is one of the largest anemonefishes, and can be somewhat aggressive. *Unlike its close relatives, the Amphiprion clowns, the Maroon clownfish sits in its own genus (Premnas) on account of its distinguishing feature, the cheek spines. This species is best kept singly or in known pairs. Never attempt to house with other species of clownfish, or other small peaceful fish as they will be bullied, often to the death. However, housed in the right setting, the Maroon Clownfish makes a wonderful addition to the marine aquarium. Ensure that they are the last planned addition to the tank, so that they cannot become over-territorial towards newcomers. Each mated pair is reported to inhabit one Bubbletip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) in the wild. Take care when catching/moving this species, as the cheek spines can become tangled in netting very easily. There are two distinct colour morphs, one with the usual white vertical bands, and one which possesses yellow bands (pictured). Some suggest that the yellow striped colour morph (known from Sumatran waters) should be given recognised status as P. epigrammata, a species in its own right. With regards to sexing, all clownfish are born as males. A wild colony may consist of a breeding pair, which cohabit with a few non-reproductive smaller male specimens. When the female dies, the dominant male will change sex and become the female. This is known as protandrous sequential hermaphroditism. May also be seen on sale as Spinecheek Anemonefish.
*Recent studies have placed this fish in the genus Amphiprion and it seems that further work will see the validation of a number of species that are currently known as regional variants.
Feeding
Offer a varied diet including meaty items such as Mysis shrimp, krill, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc, plus herbivore flakes and greenfoods.
Breeding
This species has been bred in captivity. Eggs are laid on a pre-cleaned flat piece of rock and defended vigorously. Breeding efforts are best attempted in a small species-only aquarium. The parents will need to be acclimatised back to the main aquarium when the eggs start to hatch. Ensure you have cultured a ready supply of rotifers and other small first foods, as one of the main causes of larvae/fry loss is starvation.
