How to Breed Maroon Clownfish

Maroon clownfish look slightly different from the more traditional clownfish that most people are familiar with. Maroon clownfish are, as their name implies, dark red with yellow or white stripes. They can grow up to 6 inches or more. They are also known as fish with dominant personalities. Maroon clownfish may boss around their aquarium mates or move objects, such as rocks, to their liking. These traits make the maroon clownfish one of the most interesting aquarium species.

Things You'll Need

  • Marine breeding aquarium
  • Entacmaea quadricolor anemones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a group of maroon clownfish, or buy a pair of breeding clownfish. All clownfish are born as males, and some turn into females later in life. Therefore, if you intend to breed, it's best to buy a breeding pair, or allow the clownfish to select their mates as they mature.

    • 2

      Provide a breeding aquarium for the maroon clownfish. The aquarium needs to be saltwater, as clownfish are marine fish. The aquarium should hold 30 gallons of water, although larger aquariums are often better. Maroon clownfish can become aggressive toward other fish, especially when they are guarding their eggs or young. Therefore, when you're breeding them, it's best to place to place the clownfish pair in a separate aquarium.

    • 3

      Place a couple Entacmaea quadricolor anemones in the breeding aquarium. This anemone, also sometimes known more commonly as a purple base or bulb-tipped anemone, is favored by maroon clownfish.

    • 4

      Observe the maroon clownfish. Once they form pairs and select an anemone, they should begin getting ready to breed almost immediately. The pair will clear an area of debris. This space, where the clownfish will lay its eggs, is usually right next to or under their anemone.

    • 5

      Both the male and female maroon clownfish will guard the eggs. They will also fan the water around the eggs, creating a gentle current. Any eggs that develop fungus will be discarded by the parent fish. The eggs will hatch about eight days after they have been laid. Unlike other clownfish species, maroon clownfish will continue to guard their young after they hatch.