QUICK STATS

Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
Reef-Safe: Yes
Venomous: No
Source: Captive Bred / See Options
Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25-2"
Approximate Max Size: 5-6"
Recommended Tank Size: 30 Gallons or Larger

GOLD DOT MAROON CLOWNFISH

The Gold Dot Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) is a bold designer variety of maroon clownfish known for its deep burgundy-maroon body and irregular white markings that develop into rich gold coloration with age. Juveniles may show lighter white or pale markings, while mature individuals often display a much warmer golden pattern, because apparently even clownfish get a glow-up phase. ORA/AlgaeBarn notes that the white stripes and dots become increasingly gold as the fish ages.

Gold Dot Maroon Clownfish are usually captive-bred, making them hardy, well-adjusted to aquarium life, and generally eager eaters. They are reef-safe and can make a beautiful centerpiece fish, but they are also one of the more territorial clownfish varieties. In plain fish store language: cute, hardy, colorful, and fully prepared to fight a hand, a scraper, a net, or possibly your soul.

This species does not require an anemone to thrive, but it may host in one if available. Maroon clownfish are especially associated with Bubble Tip Anemones, though they may also choose corals, rockwork, tank corners, or whatever location is most inconvenient for everyone involved. Quality Marine notes that Premnas clownfish commonly form a relationship with bubble-tip anemones.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in size, color, pattern, and overall appearance.

AQUARIUM REQUIREMENTS

AQUARIUM SIZE

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons or larger is recommended for a single Gold Dot Maroon Clownfish. For pairs or community aquariums, larger tanks are strongly preferred to help reduce territorial behavior. Bulk Reef Supply lists 30 gallons as a minimum for maroon clownfish, while some retailers recommend larger systems as adults mature and become more territorial.

HABITAT RECOMMENDATIONS

Gold Dot Maroon Clownfish are hardy and adaptable, but they do best in stable aquariums with defined territory and plenty of shelter.

Aquascaping: Provide live rock, caves, and open swimming areas. Maroons often claim a specific section of the tank and defend it with the confidence of a fish that has never paid rent.

Substrate: Sand or fine aragonite works well and helps create a natural reef-style environment.

Rockwork: Live rock is recommended for biological filtration, shelter, and territory formation.

Anemone Hosting: An anemone is not required. If adding one, make sure the aquarium is mature and stable. Bubble Tip Anemones are the most common hosting option for maroon clownfish.

Tank Cover: A tight-fitting lid is recommended. Clownfish are not the most famous jumpers, but they are still fish, and fish treat uncovered tanks like escape-room puzzles.

WATER PARAMETERS

Gold Dot Maroon Clownfish are hardy once established, but they still do best in clean, stable marine conditions. “Hardy” means forgiving, not invincible, despite mankind’s continued attempts to prove otherwise.

Temperature: 75-80°F
pH Level: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: 1.020-1.026 specific gravity
Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite should remain undetectable. Nitrate should be kept as low as reasonably possible, ideally below 20 ppm.
Water Flow: Low to moderate flow is ideal. They can handle normal reef flow but should have calmer areas where they can rest and establish territory. AlgaeBarn lists similar care parameters for ORA Gold Dot Maroon Clownfish, including pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12, and specific gravity 1.020-1.025.

DIET

Gold Dot Maroon Clownfish are omnivores and usually accept a wide variety of frozen, prepared, meaty, and plant-based foods. Captive-bred specimens are typically strong eaters, which is refreshing, since some marine fish act like accepting food is beneath their royal station. Sea & Reef notes that captive-bred maroon clownfish are conditioned to eat pellets, flakes, frozen mysis, and frozen brine shrimp.

PRIMARY DIET

Frozen Food: Offer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, marine blends, and finely chopped frozen foods.

Shop Favorite: Our favorite food to offer is Reef Frenzy by LRS because it provides a strong variety of marine ingredients and usually gets an excellent feeding response from clownfish.

Prepared Foods: High-quality marine pellets or flakes are great staple options. Smaller pellet sizes are best for juveniles.

Algae-Based Foods: Spirulina flakes or mixed omnivore foods can be added occasionally for variety.

FEEDING FREQUENCY

Feed small amounts 1-2 times per day. Avoid overfeeding, even when the clownfish acts like every meal is its last stand in a very dramatic seafood opera.

COMPATIBILITY

Gold Dot Maroon Clownfish are reef-safe and can be kept with many saltwater community fish, but they are more territorial than ocellaris or percula clownfish. Tank mate selection matters, especially once the maroon matures or forms a pair.

COMMON TANK MATES

Fish: Gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, wrasses, dwarf angelfish, tangs in larger aquariums, and other semi-bold community fish.

Avoid: Other clownfish, very timid fish, tiny passive tank mates, and fish that may be bullied by a territorial maroon clownfish. Avoid large predators that may eat them.

Invertebrates: Safe with most cleaner shrimp, hermit crabs, snails, urchins, and other common reef invertebrates.

Coral: Gold Dot Maroon Clownfish are considered reef-safe and should not bother soft corals, LPS, SPS, zoanthids, mushrooms, clams, or anemones. Several retailers list Gold Dot or Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish as reef-safe captive-bred fish.

BEHAVIORAL NOTES

Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially as the fish matures.

Pairing: Can be kept singly or as a pair. When pairing maroon clownfish, it is usually safest to pair a smaller juvenile with a larger established individual, but introductions should be monitored closely.

Captive-Bred Advantage: Captive-bred specimens usually adapt well to prepared foods and aquarium conditions.

Hosting Behavior: They do not need an anemone, but may host in one if available. Bubble Tip Anemones are the most common host option for maroon clownfish.

Reef Compatibility: Excellent for reef tanks, though they may defend a chosen area or hosting site with unreasonable enthusiasm.

Adult Size: Maroon clownfish get larger than many other common clownfish species. Some sources list maximum size around 5-6 inches, so plan for the adult fish, not just the adorable juvenile currently lying to you with its tiny face.

Jumping: A tight-fitting lid is recommended. Fish continue to confuse gravity with opportunity.

ACCLIMATION PROCESS

This acclimation method helps reduce stress by gradually introducing the fish to your aquarium’s temperature and water chemistry.

1. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS & ATO

Turn off aquarium lights to reduce stress. If you have an Auto Top Off system, switch it off before starting acclimation.

2. FLOAT THE BAG

Float the sealed bag in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to allow the temperature in the bag to equalize with the tank.

3. OPEN BAG, ADD FISH TO CONTAINER

Carefully open the bag and transfer the fish and shipping water into a clean bucket or container.

4. ACCLIMATE USING TANK WATER

Add 1/4 cup of tank water to the container every 5 minutes for 40 minutes.

5. TRANSFER FISH TO AQUARIUM

Once acclimation is complete, use a net or specimen container to gently transfer the fish into the aquarium. Discard the shipping water. Do not pour shipping water into your aquarium.

6. REFILL THE AQUARIUM WITH SALTWATER

You may need to replace the saltwater removed during acclimation with fresh mixed saltwater.