Blackline Fang Blenny

The Blackline Fang Blenny is a sleek, attractive blenny endemic to the Red Sea, where it inhabits shallow reef slopes and lagoons. Its body is a striking pale blue to lavender hue, adorned with a prominent black longitudinal stripe that runs from the snout through the eye and along the full length of the body to the tail. This bold pattern, combined with the species' active swimming behavior, makes it a highly visible and appealing addition to marine aquariums. Like all members of the Meiacanthus genus, it possesses a pair of enlarged canine teeth in the lower jaw capable of delivering a mildly venomous bite as a defense against predators.

In the wild, the Blackline Fang Blenny feeds on a combination of zooplankton, small invertebrates, and algae as it hovers above coral formations. Its venomous bite, while harmless to humans, is effective enough to deter predatory fish from consuming it. This chemical defense grants the Blackline Fang Blenny a confidence unusual for its small size, and it swims openly in the water column rather than hiding in crevices like many other blennies. Remarkably, several non-venomous blenny species in the Red Sea have evolved nearly identical color patterns to mimic this species and gain protection from predators.

In captivity, the Blackline Fang Blenny is an easy-to-keep species that adapts quickly to aquarium life. It is completely reef-safe and peaceful toward all but conspecifics and similarly shaped blennies. Its bold swimming behavior ensures it remains visible throughout the day, and it readily accepts a wide range of prepared foods. A tight-fitting lid is recommended as fang blennies are known jumpers.