17-One Spot Blenny
Crossosalarias macrospilus
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Green, Red, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: South Asia
Family: Blenniidae
The One Spot Blenny is also referred to as the Big Spot or Triplespot Blenny. Its body is a mottled green and dark brown with white spots. The belly is a light tan to cream color and the dorsal fin has accents of yellow and red.
A well-established 30 gallon or larger aquarium with multiple swimming levels and plenty of rock is a suitable environment. The One Spot Blenny is not usually aggressive unless tank mates appear to have a similar shape as it does. It is best to house singly unless kept in a larger tank and the two are a mated pair. It tends to perch and hop from rock to rock looking for microalgae to graze on.
The One Spot Blenny does best in well-established aquariums with large amounts of natural algae to feed on. The diet can be supplemented with vegetable matter,Spirulina, and herbivore preparations.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"
18-Striped Blenny
Meiacanthus grammistes
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Black, White, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Australia, Indonesia, Maldives
Family: Blenniidae
The Striped Blenny is also referred to as Gammistes Blenny, Striped Fang Blenny, or Striped Poison-Fang Blenny. It has alternating black and yellow stripes that run the entire length of the body.
It tends to do well in an aquarium if housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with live rock. The live rock provides places to hunt and feed on small crustaceans as well as places to hide. It is not usually aggressive unless the tank mates appear to have a similar shape as it does. Its fangs are more of a defense mechanism used for biting an aggressive fish back.
The Striped Blenny diet consists of chopped crustaceans, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen food preparations for herbivores.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/4" to 3"
19- White Blenny
Meiacanthus smithii
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Lighting: Moderate
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Black, Blue
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Captive-Bred
Family: Blenniidae
The White Blenny is also referred to as White's Blenny, Smith's Blenny, Smith's Fang Blenny or Disco Blenny. Its body is mostly blue with a black stripe which starts at the chin and runs through the eyes and down the dorsal fin.
It tends to do well in an aquarium if provided with live rock in a 10 gallon or larger aquarium. The live rock provides places to hunt and feed on small crustaceans as well as places to hide. It is not usually aggressive unless the tank mates appear to have a similar shape as it does. Its fangs are more of a defense mechanism used for biting an aggressive fish back.
The White Blenny diet consists of chopped crustaceans, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen food preparations for herbivores.
20-Harptail Blenny
Meiacanthus mossambicus
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3½"
Color Form: Black, Green, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Captive-Bred - USA
Family: Blenniidae
The Harptail Blenny is an excellent candidate for a reef tank. It is a beautiful, deep golden-yellow with a shadow of green above the eye running under a jet-black dorsal fin.
This Harptail Blenny will appreciate a minimum tank of 30 gallons or larger with live rock. This species will graze on the numerous crustaceans found inside live rock. Harptail Blennies are passive fish rarely bothering other tankmates. This species has the ability to bite the inside of a predator's mouth with its venomous fangs when ingested. The predator will then spit the small fish out of its mouth with no harm done to the blenny.
The Harptail Blenny should be fed a well balance diet of carnivorous foods along with a selection of foods designed for herbivores. These fish should be offered small quantities of food several times per day.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 2"
21-Panamic Barnacle Blenny
Acanthemblemaria hancocki
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Black, Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Panama
Family: Blenniidae
The Panamic Barnacle Blenny which is also known as the Hancock’s Blenny, generally seen from El Salvador to Panama as well as south to Ecuador. Its color is a mottled black, white and red covering the body and fins. This fish is similar to the Mexican Barnacle Blenny but has a large dark brown to charcoal spot behind its eye. The Panamic Barnacle Blenny also has red lips, a red iris and red on the front of its dorsal fin.
A well-established 10 gallon or larger aquarium with multiple hiding places and plenty of rock is a suitable environment. The Panamic Barnacle Blenny is a very entertaining fish, as they race as fast and furious as they can to snatch food from the water column while trying not to be eaten by the other fish. The body of this fish is seldom seen as they will take up residence in a small crevice in the rocks. They are a very attentive fish constantly watching about the aquarium waiting for a meal to come their way.
The Panamic Barnacle Blenny does best in well-established aquariums with large numbers of crevices in the rocks in which it can hide. The diet should include meaty items such as finely chopped crustacean flesh, vitamin enriched frozen brine and mysis shrimp.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1" Medium: 1" to 1-1/2"; Large: 1-1/2” to 2”
22-Ember Blenny
Cirripectes stigmaticus
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025, KH 8-12
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Black, Green, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia
Family: Blenniidae
The Ember Blenny is also known as the Red-streaked Blenny, or Scarlet-spotted Blenny. The males are generally larger than the females and experience a succession of color changes when breeding.
It requires a well-established tank of at least 55 gallons or larger with plenty of scattered rocks for perching and hiding, and live rock with microalgae growth on which to feed. Unlike most blennies, the Ember Blenny requires a meaty diet including finely chopped crustacean flesh, mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, along with frozen herbivorous preparations, micro and blue-green algae. If housing more than one Ember Blenny in an aquarium, it is best to acclimate them at the same time. Otherwise, aggression between the two may occur.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-3/4"; Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"; Large 2-1/2" - 3-1/2"; XLarge 3-1/2" to 4-1/2"
23-Brachiosaurus Blenny
Omobranchus anolius
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025, 64-77° F
Max. Size: 3½"
Color Form: Brown, Green, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Australia
Family: Blenniidae
The Brachiosaurus Blenny is an exciting new addition to the aquarium trade, generating buzz among hobbyists. It is easy to see how this blenny received its common name as the male Brachiosaurus Blenny sports a pronounced fleshy crest that gives it a distinct dinosaurian appearance. If that wasn't enough to capture your imagination, the male Brachiosaurus Blenny also sports very exotic-looking finnage (most notable is the sail-like dorsal fin) that enhances the "prehistoric" appearance of this buzz-worthy blenny.
The Brachiosaurus Blenny is endemic to Australia occurring in shallow estuarine waters and intertidal mudflats. The Brachiosaurus Blenny is often associated with oyster beds, using the empty shells for habitat and for nesting. Harvested from shallow water, the Brachiosaurus Blenny adapts well to aquariums that are maintained around 75 degrees. To recreate habitat for the Brachiosaurus Blenny, provide a tank of at least 30 gallons with plenty of scattered rubble, empty shells and live rock full of nooks, crannies and caves for perching and hiding. The Brachiosaurus Blenny is peaceful towards other fish unless the tank mate is similar in shape or appearance to the blenny. Blennies generally make a good addition to reef aquariums, but use caution in smaller set ups, or with smaller fleshy corals, as individuals may pick at the mantles of clams, and at fleshy large polyp stony corals when underfed.
The diet of the Brachiosaurus Blenny should include vegetable matter, including frozen and dried foods containing marine and blue-green algae. It will also feed on (and help control) algae growing in the aquarium.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-3/4; Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-3/4"; Large: 2-3/4" to 3-1/2"
24-Sandhopper Blenny
Parapercis sp.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Red
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Pinguipedidae
The Sandhopper Blenny, also known as the Red Stripe Sand Perch, originates within the rubble zones of the reefs in the Indo-Pacific. They have an elongated body that is vertically striped in alternating red and white. The head is accentuated by large eyes, which are black in color. These fish are very hardy and do not require a large aquarium.
A well-established 30-gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock is a suitable environment. It is not usually aggressive, unless the tank mates appear to have a similar shape as it does. It is best to house singly unless kept in a larger aquarium and the two are a mated pair. The Sandhopper Blenny is a great jumper, making a tight fitting canopy a must.
The Sandhopper Blenny does best in an aquarium with large amounts of mature live rock that it can graze upon. The diet should consist of meaty items including vitamin enriched brine and mysis shrimp, chopped fresh seafood, and a quality flake food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small;1" to 2" Medium; 2" - 3" Large; 3" - 4"
Aquarium Fish: An Overview of Fang Blennies of the genus Meiacanthus :
By Kenneth Wingerter
courtesy to www.advancedaquarist.com
As ornamental fish, fang blennies of the genus Meiacanthus have it all--sturdiness with elegant good looks, individual character with great adaptability, peacefulness with the ability to stand up to aggressors. There is a wide variety of hue and pattern within the genus. The distinctive coloration, accentuated by their sleek body shape, makes for an exceptionally attractive animal.
At present, the selection of tank bred marine aquarium fishes is modest, but growing. Accordingly, more and more conscientious hobbyists are choosing cultured over wild caught animals. A handful of particularly good (though frequently overlooked) tank bred candidates for the home aquarium belong to the genus Meiacanthus, the fang blennies.
The fang blennies (or poison-fang blennies, or sabre-tooth blennies) include a considerable number of highly specialized combtooth blenny species from several genera. While many of these are known to parasitize or prey on other fish,Meiacanthus feeds primarily (though not at all exclusively) on plankton.
Gut content analysis of wild fang blennies reveals that they have a highly varied diet consisting of items as diverse as algal filaments, fish eggs, bryozoan stalks, and perhaps even coral mucus. Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com.
-Meiacanthus spp. occurs widely across the Western Pacific and Indian oceans. These fishes generally inhabit shallow water environments, though some (such as recently described Meiacanthus erdmanni) have been found at depths as great as 70 meters. They are (with the exception of Meiacanthus anema) strictly marine.
-Meiacanthus spp. adapts well to captivity. These surprisingly tough fishes are tolerant of suboptimal water conditions and are resistant to disease. They readily accept a wide variety of foods. They are usually peaceful toward their own kind and others. They reach relatively small adult sizes, and so are appropriate for smaller aquaria.
Anterior grooves on the canine teeth end in depressions filled with venom-secreting tissue. Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com.
There is a wide variety of hue and pattern within the genus. The distinctive coloration, accentuated by their sleek body shape, makes for an exceptionally attractive animal.
Blennies are widely appreciated for their abundance of charm; fang blennies are no exception here. They are rather busy and inquisitive, and appear to be very aware of their surroundings. Unlike many of their blenny brethren, they have functional swim bladders and spend much time moving about in open water. While they can be somewhat cryptic, they are generally far less secretive and skittish than other blenniids. Probably, much of their apparent self-assurance is derived from their possession of an especially potent defensive apparatus.
Some fish species (such as Ecsenius bicolor, shown here) are believed to enjoy predator protection through the Batesian mimicry of certain fang blennies. Photo by Brian Gratwicke.
The two enlarged, grooved canine teeth for which fang blennies get their name are situated in the lower jaw. Unlike other fang blenny genera, Meiacanthus usually employs its weaponry only to defend itself or its territory. When seriously threatened, it will open its jaws wide to bear its teeth. Each "fang" is equipped with venomous buccal glands. Venom is delivered with pressure to the glands. While not especially dangerous to most people, fang blenny bites can be quite painful. Fortunately, because of its small mouth, envenomation of humans by this animal is unlikely. That being said, one should never attempt to hand capture or hand feed a fang blenny.
Some fang blennies can be successfully kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons, but will be most comfortable when housed in enclosures of 20-30 gallons or more. They do not require any special care. They will, however, appreciate an abundance of rocky caves and crevasses. They can be quite jumpy, so a tight-fitting lid is highly recommended.
Unlike most blennies, fang blennies (such as Meiacanthus oualanensis, shown here) spend much of the time swimming well above the seafloor. Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com.
Meiacanthus smithi, one week post-hatch; though this individual's jaw has not yet grown/developed enough to feed on Artemia nauplii, formation of its toxic buccal glands is underway. Photo by Kenneth Wingerter.
Generally, fang blenny broodstock (such as these Meiacanthus bundoon) will be more productive when maintained in harems. Photo by Kenneth Wingerter.
Even less enterprising aquarists with no interest in rearing fish may wish to keep breeding pairs of fang blennies (such as Meiacanthus smithi, shown here) simply to enjoy observing their courting/spawning behavior. Photo by Kenneth Wingerter.
Fang blennies are not particularly difficult (at least as far as marine fish go) to breed and rear in captivity; indeed, most advanced hobbyists have the requisite skills to raise them. They are, however, difficult for most to sex. It is usually best to introduce multiple individuals to the broodstock tank and allow them to form harems. Subordinate males should be removed to spare them from harassment. A single male might court a number of females, and even tend to eggs from several females in a single nest. A full nest is comprised of about 100 adhesive 1mm eggs. A 3-5 inch section of 1-inch PVC pipe serves as a very convenient nest site for both fish and fishkeeper. There are many variations on techniques for nest collection/incubation; typically, the pipe is transferred (about a day prior to hatching) to a hatching tank/tub, fixed to a standpipe, and aerated gently from below with an air stone. While the incubation time varies somewhat depending upon species and temperature, Meiacanthus spp. eggs usually hatch around day 8. Larvae are small (approximately 3 mm in length) and thusly require small live first foods (e.g., rotifers).
To date, at least 28 Meiacanthus species have been described:
1. Meiacanthus abditus Smith-Vaniz, 1987
2. Meiacanthus abruptus Smith-Vaniz & Allen, 2011
Meiacanthus abruptus can be found on shallow, mangrove-associated reefs. Photo by G.R. Allen (image reproduced from the author (2011) in Zootaxa with permission from copyright holder Magnolia Press.
3. Meiacanthus anema Bleeker, 1852 (threadless blenny)
4. Meiacanthus atrodorsalis Günther, 1877 (forktail blenny)
Meiacanthus atrodorsalis has been established as the type species of the group. Photo by www.photolib.noaa.gov.
A deeply forked caudal fin is characteristic of Meiacanthus atrodorsalis. Photo bywww.sustainableaquatics.com.
5. Meiacanthus bundoon Smith-Vaniz, 1976 (bundoon blenny)
Now that Meiacanthus bundoon is being produced in ornamental fish hatcheries, wild harvest of the species may eventually be significantly reduced. Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com.
6. Meiacanthus crinitus Smith-Vaniz, 1987
Meiacanthus crinitus commonly occurs in sponge-dominated habitats. Photo by G.R. Allen (image reproduced from the author (2011) in Zootaxa with permission from copyright holder Magnolia Press.
7. Meiacanthus cyanopterus Smith-Vaniz & Allen, 2011
Meiacanthus cyanopterus could someday be popular among keepers of deep-water themed aquaria. Photo by G.R. Allen (image reproduced from the author (2011) in Zootaxa with permission from copyright holder Magnolia Press.
8. Meiacanthus ditrema Smith-Vaniz, 1976 (one-striped blenny)
9. Meiacanthus erdmanni Smith-Vaniz & Allen, 2011
10. Meiacanthus fraseri Smith-Vaniz, 1976
11. Meiacanthus geminatus Smith-Vaniz, 1976
12. Meiacanthus grammistes Valenciennes, 1836 (striped blenny)
The bright, distinctive coloration of many fang blennies (such as Meiacanthus grammistes, shown here) presumably serves as a warning to would-be predators. Photo by Brian Gratwicke.
A modest clutch of Meiacanthus grammistes eggs. Photo by Kenneth Wingerter.
13- Meiacanthus kamoharai Tomiyama, 1956
Demand for Meiacanthus kamoharai could greatly increase with the growing interest in temperate marine aquaria. Photo by izuzukidiver.com.
14. Meiacanthus limbatus Smith-Vaniz, 1987
15. Meiacanthus lineatus De Vis, 1884 (lined blenny)
16. Meiacanthus luteus Smith-Vaniz, 1987 (yellow blenny)
17. Meiacanthus mossambicus Smith, 1959 (Mozambique blenny)
Meiacanthus mossambicus is thought to be one of the least aggressive members of its genus. Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com.
18. Meiacanthus naevius Smith-Vaniz, 1987
19. Meiacanthus nigrolineatus Smith-Vaniz, 1969 (blackline blenny)
20. Meiacanthus oualanensis Günther, 1880
Fang blennies (such as Meiacanthus oualanensis, shown here) appreciate the cover provided by hollow structures like abandoned mollusk shells and worm tubes. Photo by Lonnie Huffman.
21. Meiacanthus phaeus Smith-Vaniz, 1976
22. Meiacanthus procne Smith-Vaniz, 1976
23. Meiacanthus reticulatus Smith-Vaniz, 1976
24. Meiacanthus smithi Klausewitz, 1962 (disco blenny)
Meiacanthus smithi is one of the smaller members of its genus. Photo bywww.sustainableaquatics.com.
25. Meiacanthus tongaensis Smith-Vaniz, 1987
26. Meiacanthus urostigma Smith-Vaniz, Satapoomin & Allen, 2001
27. Meiacanthus vicinus Smith-Vaniz, 1987
Fang blennies (such as Meiacanthus vicinus, shown here) are mainly diurnal planktivores, but will eat a large variety of items. Photo by G.R. Allen (image reproduced from the author (2011) in Zootaxa with permission from copyright holder Magnolia Press.
28. Meiacanthus vittatus Smith-Vaniz, 1976 (one-striped blenny)
Only a fraction of these are regularly encountered (much less cultured) in the trade; this will almost surely change with continuing imports of these species.
Conclusion :
As ornamental fish, fang blennies of the genus Meiacanthus have it all--sturdiness with elegant good looks, individual character with great adaptability, peacefulness with the ability to stand up to aggressors. Owing to their diminutive size, they are appropriate for many smaller aquaria. The relative ease with which they can be cultured might make them especially attractive to breeders. Captive bred specimens of common fang blennies (e.g., Meiacanthus oualanensis) are now widely available; the availability of captive bred specimens of less common fang blennies (e.g., Meiacanthus tongaensis) will likely increase in the near future; it is entirely plausible that even presently unavailable species (e.g.,Meiacanthus geminatus) will be produced on a commercial scale in years ahead. Come what may, these fishes undoubtedly will hold the interest of marine aquarium hobbyists for a very long time.
References :
-www.fishbase.org.
-http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/content.php?sid=4282
-Losey, GS. 1972. Predation protection in the poison-fang blenny, Meiacanthus atrodorsalis, and its mimics, Ecsenius bicolor and Runula laudandus (Blenniidae). Pac Sci 26(2): 129-139.
-Smith-Vaniz, William F. and Gerald R. Allen. 2011. Three new species of the fangblenny genus Meiacanthus from Indonesia, with color photographs and comments on other species (Teleostei: Blenniidae: Nemophini). Zootaxa 3046: 39-58.
-Fishelson, Lev. 1976. Spawning and larval development of the blenniid fish Meiacanthus nigrolineatus from the Red Sea. Copeia 1976: 798-800.
-Wittenrich, Matthew L. 2007. The Complete Illustrated Breeder's Guide To Marine Aquarium Fishes. T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
