Care
The African Blenny, also known as the African Fang Blenny, is found at coral reefs with poor to moderate coral growth, often over coral rubble. Whilst many of the Fang or Sabre-Toothed Blennies are known to parasitize other fish, those from the Meiacanthus genus (of which 28 species have been formerly described) feed only on zooplankton as they hover in the water column, and on tiny benthic invertebrates they find on the reef. Juvenile African Blennies tend to gather in small groups, whereas the adults are solitary or seen in pairs. Meiacanthus species tend to be quite inoffensive, but they do possess two venomous canine-like teeth in the lower jaw that can be employed should they be attacked. Most fish know to leave them alone, but if they are ingested, a quick, sharp bite on the inside of the predator"™s mouth from the blenny ensures that it is spat out again "“ and it is usually none the worse for wear. These fish do not employ their weaponry in an active manner, instead they use it only as a last resort to defend themselves or their territory. Whilst African Blennies can sometimes be a little secretive, they are generally far more self-assured than other blenniids (most likely due to the possession of such potent defensive apparatus) and will often be seen hovering about in the water column above the rockwork in an inquisitive manner. Provide the African Blenny with a mature tank that contains an abundance of live rock, so that it may continually graze upon it for small crustaceans; without such quantity of well-established rockwork, these fish will not fare very well. It is best to keep just one specimen per tank, unless you can acquire a known mated pair, as these fish can be a little territorial in the confines of the average aquarium. Will cohabit with most species, except for close relatives and much larger carnivorous fish. Ensure that the tank has tight fitting coverslides as these fish are expert jumpers. Please be aware that whilst the bites of Fang Blennies are not usually dangerous to most people, they can be very painful. Therefore some degree of caution is required when carrying out maintenance in the aquarium, taking particular care not to intrude too closely upon their territory. Never try to hand feed a Fang Blenny. May also be seen on sale as the Mozambique Fang Blenny.
Feeding
Offer a varied diet including meaty items and herbivore rations. Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, zooplankton, and finely chopped finely shaved krill/prawns/mussel/cockle etc. should all be taken with much enthusiasm. Feed small amounts 2-3 times per day. Must be provided with live rock where there will be an ongoing source of natural prey such as tiny crustaceans and various algae.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium, but it is being bred on a commercial basis. It likely breeds in the same manner as the Forktail Fang Blenny (M. atrodorsalis) - please see profile for details.
