Lightning Maroon Clownfish (Captive Bred)

Lightning Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) - Captive Bred

Local Pickup only

 

Overview

The Lightning Maroon Clownfish is one of the most striking designer clownfish varieties, instantly recognizable by its deep maroon body patterned with irregular white “lightning bolt” markings. A selectively bred variant of the Maroon Clownfish, it combines bold personality with dazzling looks. While beautiful, this species is also one of the more aggressive clownfish, requiring careful tankmate selection.

 

Appearance

• Size: Females can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm), while males stay smaller, around 3–4 inches (7–10 cm).

• Coloration: Rich maroon to dark red body with bright, jagged white markings resembling lightning streaks.

• Sexual Dimorphism: Females are significantly larger and often darker in coloration than males.

• Designer Strain: Originally bred in captivity, making them more sustainable and often hardier than wild-caught Maroon Clowns.

 

Temperament & Behavior

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive, especially females. They are territorial and will defend their host anemone or chosen area.

• Personality: Bold, interactive, and intelligent, often recognizing and interacting with their keepers.

• Social Structure: Like all clownfish, they are protandrous hermaphrodites—males can change into females if the dominant female is lost.

 

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (114 liters) for a single fish; 55+ gallons recommended for a pair.

• Aquascaping: Provide rockwork with caves and plenty of swimming space.

• Anemone Host: Not required, but may naturally pair with Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor).

• Lid: Recommended, as aggression or chasing may cause jumping.

 

Diet & Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous.

• Foods: Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, marine pellets, flakes, and algae-based foods.

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily.

• Foraging: Opportunistic feeders—will readily accept a wide variety of prepared foods.

 

Reef Compatibility

• Reef Safe: Yes, they do not harm corals.

• Potential Risks: May aggressively guard their territory, including nearby coral areas.

• Anemone Bonding: Strongly associated with anemones in nature, but captive-bred individuals often adapt to alternative hosts (e.g., LPS corals, rockwork, or even aquarium equipment).

 

Compatibility

• Good Tank Mates: Tangs, larger wrasses, damsels, angelfish, and other semi-aggressive fish.

• Avoid: Very timid species (e.g., firefish, small gobies) that may be bullied.

• Pairing: Best kept as a bonded pair to avoid aggression between individuals.

 

Care Level

• Difficulty: Moderate.

• Hardiness: Very hardy, especially captive-bred specimens.

• Special Consideration: Aggression can be an issue—plan tankmates carefully.

 

Breeding

• Captive Breeding: Widely bred in captivity; Lightning Maroon Clownfish were first developed through selective breeding of a unique wild variant.

• Reproduction: Lay adhesive eggs near their host or chosen nesting site, guarded aggressively by the female.

• Larvae: Require specialized care with rotifers and live food in a separate rearing setup.

 

🌟 Fun Facts About Lightning Maroon Clownfish

• Designer Origin: This variety comes from a single wild-caught Maroon Clownfish with unusual markings, selectively bred to produce the lightning pattern.

• Largest Clownfish: Maroon Clowns are among the biggest clownfish species, with females reaching up to 6 inches.

• Female Boss: In pairs, the female is always dominant and often much larger than the male.

• Host Flexibility: In captivity, they may adopt unusual hosts—such as LPS corals, feather dusters, or even powerheads!

• Personality Plus: Lightning Maroon Clownfish are bold, curious, and often develop strong recognition of their aquarists.

 

✨ Summary: The Lightning Maroon Clownfish is a bold, brilliantly patterned designer clown that combines beauty with personality. Though territorial and sometimes feisty, it thrives in reef aquariums when paired carefully with compatible tankmates. As a sustainably bred variety, it’s both a showstopper and a responsible choice for aquarists.