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Maroon clownfish

Amphiprion tricinctus

Maroon clownfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Maroon clownfish (Amphiprion tricinctus) is a small, brightly colored reef dweller that lives among sea anemones in tropical Indo‑Pacific waters. It’s prized by aquarists rather than anglers and is rarely targeted for food due to its tiny size.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Pomacentridae

Max Size

12 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

3-40m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Warm months (November‑April) when water temperatures are 24‑28 °C

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon when plankton activity is highest

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Maroon clownfish

  • Use a light, ultra‑short spin rod (2‑3 ft) with 2‑4 lb test line to feel subtle bites.
  • Present tiny natural baits such as baby brine shrimp or copepods near the host anemone.
  • Practice a gentle ‘jig‑and‑pause’ retrieve; clownfish are timid and will snap at the smallest movement.
  • Keep the hook size tiny (size 12‑14) to avoid harming the fish or the anemone.

Top Fishing Locations for Maroon clownfish

Christmas Island Marine Reserve

Australia
intermediate78% Very Common

World-renowned for its high densities of Maroon clownfish, especially around the southern reef slopes where anemones are abundant.

Best: Nov–Mar

Cocos (Keeling) Islands – North Keeling Reef

Australia
expert71% Very Common

Remote atoll with pristine coral and abundant host anemones, offering one of the highest catch rates for Maroon clownfish.

Best: Oct–Feb

Raja Ampat – Misool Island

Indonesia
intermediate62% Common

Biodiversity hotspot where vibrant reef systems host thriving populations of Maroon clownfish among deep-water anemones.

Best: Oct–Apr

Milne Bay – Tufi Dive Site

Papua New Guinea
beginner55% Common

Accessible coastal reef with strong currents that bring in plankton, supporting healthy Maroon clownfish numbers.

Best: Nov–Mar

Solomon Islands – Marovo Lagoon

Solomon Islands
intermediate47% Occasional

Expansive lagoon system with abundant soft coral habitats ideal for Maroon clownfish nesting sites.

Best: Oct–Feb

Great Barrier Reef – Lizard Island

Australia
beginner32% Occasional

While common clownfish dominate, pockets of Maroon clownfish are found on outer reef edges during peak spawning periods.

Best: Nov–Feb

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Maroon clownfish

Recommended Equipment

RodUltra‑light 2‑3 ft spin rod, fast action
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jig or live baby brine shrimp
TechniqueLight‑tackle reef drop‑shot near anemones

Best bait: Live brine shrimp or copepods