Striped Fang Blenny

The Striped Fang Blenny is one of the most recognizable and widely available fang blennies in the marine aquarium hobby. Its body features a bold pattern of alternating black and white to pale yellow horizontal stripes that run from snout to tail, creating a striking graphic appearance that makes it immediately identifiable. The body is slender and streamlined with a slightly forked tail, and the face displays the alert, confident expression characteristic of the Meiacanthus genus. This is one of the larger fang blennies, reaching up to four inches in length.

The Striped Fang Blenny possesses the enlarged venomous canine teeth that define the Meiacanthus genus. When a predator attempts to swallow this blenny, the fish bites the inside of the predator's mouth, delivering a venom that causes immediate pain and a drop in blood pressure, forcing the predator to release it. This chemical defense system has made the Striped Fang Blenny the model species for one of the most famous cases of mimicry in marine biology. Several non-venomous blenny species and even juvenile Plotosus catfish have evolved nearly identical striped patterns to gain protection by resembling this venomous species.

In captivity, the Striped Fang Blenny is a bold, hardy, and easy-to-keep species that is equally suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists. It swims confidently in open water, rarely hides, and accepts a wide variety of prepared foods from the moment of introduction. It is completely reef-safe and peaceful toward all but similarly shaped blennies. Its striking pattern, fascinating biology, and fearless personality make it one of the most rewarding small fish for reef aquariums.