Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish

Also known as the Gold Banded Maroon Clownfish or Premium Striped Maroon

The Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish is an exceptional marine fish representing one of the most visually striking color variants of the maroon clownfish species. This captive-bred variant displays a deep burgundy to maroon body adorned with distinctive golden-yellow vertical stripes, creating a regal, premium aesthetic. The dramatic contrast between rich maroon coloration and vibrant gold striping makes this one of the most sought-after maroon clownfish variants available to serious collectors.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion biaculeatus (formerly Premnas biaculeatus)
• Common Names: Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish, Gold Banded Maroon, Premium Striped Maroon
• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
• Lifespan: 10–15+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive; highly territorial
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons 
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced 

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found among branching corals and anemone-bearing environments on Indo-Pacific coral reefs at depths of 15–80 feet, maintaining firm territorial control.

Tank Environment:

• Extensive live rock with multiple large caves and territorial areas
• Host anemone (Bubble Tip strongly preferred) highly recommended
• Moderate to strong water flow
• Mature, stable aquarium (4+ months established minimum)
• Substantial territorial space
• Ample rockwork with multiple retreat areas

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Essential Equipment:

• High-capacity protein skimmer
• Efficient biological and mechanical filtration
• Moderate to strong water circulation
• Regular water changes (15–20% biweekly minimum)
• UV sterilizer (recommended)

Diet & Feeding

Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish are omnivores requiring premium, varied nutrition to maintain extraordinary coloration and support aggressive lifestyle.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen Foods: Premium mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped krill, copepods, marine preparations
• Pellets/Flakes: High-quality marine pellets, color-enhancing formulas, larger-sized foods
• Plant Matter: Spirulina flakes, nori pieces, marine macro algae
• Live Foods: Regular live brine shrimp for conditioning and color enhancement
• Prepared Mixes: Premium maroon clownfish formulas, enriched marine cuisine

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 2–3 times daily in appropriately sized portions
• Offer significant variety to maintain coloration
• Include foods rich in carotenoids and xanthophyll for gold stripe pigmentation
• Supplement with vitamin-enriched foods weekly
• Ensure robust protein intake

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:

• Highly aggressive and territorial (more so than standard maroon clownfish)
• Larger size supports dominant behavior
• Extremely territorial around host anemone
• Defends territory with intensity and determination
• May chase, harass, or attack territorial threats
• Commanding personalities with distinct behavioral patterns

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Semi-aggressive to aggressive tangs, robust wrasses, groupers, large gobies
• Caution with: Semi-peaceful fish (may be bullied), medium-sized peaceful species
• Avoid: Other aggressive clownfish, very small fish, peaceful species, slow-moving fish

Reef Compatibility:

• Reef-safe: Will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Compatible with all coral types
• Excellent for FOWLR systems
• Requires carefully selected semi-aggressive tankmates

Anemone Hosting: Strongly prefer host anemones. Recommended:

• Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor)—preferred
• Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla mertensii)
• Magnificent Sea Anemone (Heteractis magnifica)

Acclimation & Care Tips

Initial Acclimation:

1. Standard drip acclimation over 1–2 hours
2. Dim tank lights for first 48 hours
3. Provide secure territory with host anemone
4. Introduce to very stable, mature aquarium
5. Establish territory before adding other fish
6. Usually feeds within 12–24 hours

Health Considerations:

• Hardy and robust once acclimated
• Quarantine for 3–4 weeks before display tank addition
• Monitor closely for aggressive interactions
• Maintain pristine water quality
• Watch for stress-related injury in other fish
• UV sterilization beneficial

Signs of Healthy Specimen:

• Active, commanding swimming throughout territory
• Deep burgundy to maroon coloration vibrant
• Distinct, brilliant golden-yellow vertical stripes
• Bright, intense alert eyes
• Aggressive, confident feeding response
• Smooth, intact fins
• No visible parasites or lesions
• Commanding territorial presence

Color & Development

Adult Coloration:

• Body: Deep burgundy to maroon base coloration
• Stripes: Distinctive vertical golden-yellow bands
• Pattern: Typically 2–3 main vertical stripes head to tail
• Fins: Matching maroon with gold continuation
• Overall: Regal, luxurious, premium aesthetic

Juvenile Coloration:

• Deep maroon coloration from early stages
• Gold stripes visible but less intensely pigmented
• Pattern becomes more defined with growth
• Stripe intensity increases dramatically with maturity
• Full adult coloration by 3–4 inches

Color Expression Factors:

• Diet quality (xanthophyll and carotenoid-rich foods essential)
• Water quality (pristine conditions critical)
• Lighting spectrum (quality lighting enhances maroon and gold)
• Stress levels (aggressive temperament maintains color)
• Age and maturity (deepens with growth)
• Anemone presence (may enhance coloration)

Quarantine Protocol

Why Extended Quarantine is Critical:

Extended quarantine ensures comprehensive health verification, thorough acclimation, and detailed observation of aggressive tendencies—absolutely essential for this premium, highly aggressive variant.

Our Quarantine Process:

• Observation Period: 4–6 weeks (extended for aggression assessment)
• Parasite Prevention: Comprehensive observation and treatment if needed
• Dietary Conditioning: Training to accept varied premium foods
• Stress Reduction: Optimal low-stress environment with anemone
• Health Monitoring: Daily detailed observation
• Feeding Confirmation: Aggressive, consistent feeding response
• Color Assessment: Documentation of stripe pigmentation development
• Behavioral Observation: Assessment of aggression intensity and personality
• Anemone Compatibility: Testing with anemone if available
• Acclimation Optimization: Gradual adjustment to standard parameters

Why Choose a Quarantined Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish?

Purchasing a properly quarantined Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish ensures you receive an exceptionally healthy, disease-free specimen displaying intense burgundy-maroon coloration and spectacular golden-yellow striping. The extended quarantine period allows comprehensive observation of feeding behavior, color expression, stripe development, and aggression patterns—critical for successful display tank integration.

This selectively bred variant combines extraordinary visual appeal with robust characteristics and commanding personalities. The deep maroon coloring combined with brilliant gold striping creates a regal, premium aesthetic perfect for a stunning centerpiece.

Quarantine ensures your new Gold Stripe Maroon arrives in pristine condition, feeding confidently, displaying extraordinary coloration with brilliant gold striping, and ready to establish dominance. The extended observation provides confidence in tankmate compatibility and confirms aggressive tendencies align with your experience level.

With proper care, adequate space, and compatible tankmates, the Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish becomes a legendary aquarium resident displaying commanding personality and exceptional beauty for 10–15+ years, a premier centerpiece for experienced aquarists.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 1.25″; Medium: 1.25″ to 1.75″; Large: 1.75″ to 2.25″