Maroon Gold Nugget Clownfish (Amphiprion biaculeatus)

The Maroon Gold Nugget Clownfish is a stunning designer marine fish, prized for its brilliant golden-yellow body and contrasting deep maroon face and fins. This unusual colour variety of the Maroon Clownfish makes a spectacular centrepiece for a marine aquarium and is ideal for aquarists looking for something distinctive.

One of the most fascinating features of the Gold Nugget Maroon Clownfish is its colour transformation as it matures. Juveniles often start with a pale or whitish body, which gradually develops into a rich golden colour as the fish grows. The dark maroon face and fins create a beautiful contrast, making this variety particularly desirable among marine fish enthusiasts. Each fish may show slight differences in its colour and markings.

Gold Nugget Maroon Clownfish are captive-bred designer fish and share the bold personality and distinctive behaviour of other Maroon Clownfish. They can become strongly territorial, especially as they mature, with females growing significantly larger than males. They are best kept singly or as a compatible, established pair in a spacious marine aquarium. Mixing them with other clownfish species or small, timid tank mates is generally not recommended.

These clownfish are omnivorous and usually accept a wide range of aquarium foods. Offer quality marine pellets and flakes alongside frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp and finely chopped marine seafood. A varied diet supports healthy growth, good condition and the development of their attractive colouration.

The Gold Nugget Maroon Clownfish is generally reef-compatible and can be kept with corals in a suitable setup. It may also form a relationship with a host anemone, such as a Bubble Tip Anemone, although an anemone is not essential for successful aquarium care. Provide stable water conditions, plenty of secure rockwork and enough space for the fish to establish its territory.

With its striking gold-and-maroon colour scheme and engaging personality, the Maroon Gold Nugget Clownfish is a beautiful addition to a carefully planned marine aquarium.

Care at a glance

• Scientific name: Amphiprion biaculeatus (also widely listed as Premnas biaculeatus)

• Common name: Maroon Gold Nugget Clownfish

• Adult size: Females can reach approximately 15 cm; males are smaller

• Origin: Designer variety, generally captive-bred

• Diet: Omnivore

• Temperament: Territorial; can become aggressive as it matures

• Reef compatibility: Generally reef-compatible

• Aquarium: Mature marine aquarium with secure rockwork and swimming space

• Best kept: Singly or as a compatible pair

• Host anemone: Optional

• Experience level: Beginner to intermediate, with careful tank mate selection