Forktail Fang Blenny

Care

The Forktail Fang Blenny, also known as the Yellowtail Fang Blenny, is known from lagoons, seaward reef slopes,and drop-offs up to 30m (98ft) in depth. Whilst many of the Fang or Sabre-ToothedBlennies 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. JuvenileForktail Fang Blennies tend to gather in small groups, whereas the adults are solitary or seen in pairs. These pretty blue and yellow blennies are distinguished from others of the same genus by the blue-edged diagonal black line extending from the eye, yellow dorsal fin, and deeply forked caudal fin. 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. Other fish such as the Bicolour Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor)and the Bicolour Fang Blenny Mimic (Plagiotremuslaudanus) have evolved to mimic this species in order to afford themselves protection from predators, even though they do not possess the same effective dentition-deterrent as the Meiacanthus species. Whilst Forktail Fang 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 Forktail Fang Blenny with a mature tank that contains an abundance of liverock, 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 theaverage 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. Interestingly, this species is replaced by the all-yellow M. oualanensis inFiji, and by M. tongaensis in Tonga. 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 ofcaution 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.

Feeding

Offer a varied diet includingmeaty items and herbivore rations. Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, zooplankton,and finely chopped finely shaved krill/prawns/mussel/cockle etc. should all betaken with much enthusiasm. Feed small amounts 2-3 times per day. Must beprovided with live rock where there will be an ongoing source of natural preysuch as tiny crustaceans and various algae.

Breeding

This species has been bred incaptivity, and makes an excellent breeding project for the dedicated hobbyist. Dueto the difficulty in sexing these fish, some find that introducing a group of 6+juveniles to a specially set up (but established) breeding aquarium is the bestway forward, as it allows the fish to form a natural harem as they mature.Careful observation is in order and any subordinate males will require rehomingto another aquarium in order that the dominant male does not harass them todeath. It has been known for the dominant male to tend to many females, evenlooking after the eggs from several females that may have been deposited in asingle nest site, which may be in a rocky crevice or even a PVC pipe. Up to 300tiny, adhesive eggs (1mm diameter) will be deposited in any one nest and theseshould hatch within 7-8 days, depending on water temperature. During this time,the male fish guards and fans the eggs and does not let the female fish nearthe nest. The resulting larvae are very small at just 3.1mm in total length and0.63mm in body depth, and will require appropriately sized first foods such asrotifers. The larvae take around 35 days to reach settlement.