Striped Fangblenny - Meiacanthus grammistes - Captive Bred

The Striped Fangblenny (Meiacanthus grammistes, also known as the Grammistes Blenny) has yellow coloration that fades to white towards the rear, and black stripes from the snout to the base of the tail. There are small black dots on the tail and base of the tail.

Many different species and varieties of blennies enter the aquarium trade regularly. The "Fangblennies" from the genus Meiacanthus are different from many other groups in that, rather than perching on surface, they hover and swim higher in the water and dart into the rockwork for safety. Their bodies are much more elongated. The name "fangblenny" comes from the teeth on these fish. While some other similar blennies use their "fangs" to prey on other fish and bite their scales, Meiacanthus blennies are safe to be kept with other tankmates. However, their sharp teeth are slightly venomous. The venom is very mild compared to that found in lionfish, scorpionfish and rabbitfish, but avoid risky behavior like hand-feeding these fish and give them space while working in the aquarium. They generally use their bite as a defense only.

Blennies can be kept with most other community tankmates like damsels, clownfish and angels. Fangblennies typically do not tolerate others of the same species except in very large aquariums with enough territory to accommodate their need for space. They are safe for reef aquariums and will not harm most invertebrates, with the possible exception of small crustaceans like Sexy Shrimp. They spend most of the time on or around the bottom, or perching in the rockwork of the aquarium. Feed a varied meaty diet of frozen and prepared foods like flakes, pellets, brine or mysis shrimp, algae, scallop and similar items.