The White Lightning Maroon Clownfish is a distinctive captive-bred designer form of the Maroon Clownfish, scientifically accepted as Amphiprion biaculeatus. This variety combines the rich red to maroon coloration of the species with highly irregular white markings that can spread across much of the body in dramatic lightning-like patterns.
The pair pictured displays extensive, individually unique white patterning over warm reddish-maroon bodies. As with other designer clownfish, the exact amount and shape of the white markings can differ substantially from one individual to another.
The White Lightning Maroon has been selectively propagated in captivity for its unusual pattern. Sustainable Aquatics identifies its White Lightning as a designer form of the Maroon Clownfish and lists it as captive bred.
This listing is for a captive-bred/tank-raised pair maintained at Pacific East Aquaculture in dedicated systems separate from our wild-collected fish. Our captive-bred and tank-raised saltwater fish are carefully observed and maintained under professional husbandry protocols prior to sale, without the routine conditioning and proactive treatment protocols used for wild-collected specimens.
Maroon Clownfish are among the largest and most territorial clownfish. Females grow substantially larger than males, and FishBase documents the species to 17 cm total length, approximately 6.7 inches. Established pairs may vigorously defend a host anemone, spawning site, or preferred territory.
Care Guide
Scientific Name: Amphiprion biaculeatus (Bloch, 1790)
Former/Trade Scientific Name: Premnas biaculeatus
Common Name: White Lightning Maroon Clownfish
Variety: Designer Maroon Clownfish
Family: Pomacentridae
Availability: Captive Bred / Tank Raised Pair
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive / strongly territorial, particularly as an established pair
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 55–75 gallons recommended for an adult pair
Maximum Size: Approximately 6.7 inches (17 cm total length)
Diet: Omnivore
Temperature: 75–82°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Aquarium Requirements:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with substantial rockwork, secure retreats, and enough territory for the pair. Because Maroon Clownfish become significantly larger and more assertive than Ocellaris or Percula Clownfish, I would recommend at least 55 gallons for a pair, with 75 gallons or larger preferred for mature adults.
Temperament:
Maroon Clownfish are highly territorial compared with many other clownfish species. Mature females are particularly assertive, and established pairs should generally not be housed with other clownfish species in the same aquarium.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef compatible. White Lightning Maroon Clownfish are not coral predators, although their territorial behavior can be problematic for timid tankmates.
Diet and Feeding:
Offer a varied omnivorous diet including high-quality marine pellets and flakes, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods, and other appropriately sized frozen preparations. Sustainable Aquatics recommends a mixed diet of frozen foods and dry pellets or flakes.
Host Anemone:
Maroon Clownfish naturally associate primarily with the Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor). A host anemone is not required for captive-bred specimens to thrive. FishBase records A. biaculeatus in association with Entacmaea quadricolor.
