Forktail Blenny (Meiacanthus atrodorsalis) Care Guide
Meiacanthus atrodorsalis is a venomous fang blenny of the western Pacific, feeding on zooplankton and small benthic invertebrates.
Overview
Meiacanthus atrodorsalis (Günther, 1877) is a combtooth blenny of the family Blenniidae, known commonly as the forktail or poison-fang blenny. According to FishBase it reaches about 11 cm in total length and occurs across the western Pacific. It is one of the venomous fang blennies, using enlarged lower-jaw canines for defence.
Taxonomy
- Family: Blenniidae
- Genus: Meiacanthus
- Scientific name: Meiacanthus atrodorsalis (Günther, 1877)
Habitat
FishBase records this species from the western Pacific, from Bali and the Philippines east to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia, including Micronesia. It inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of 0 to 30 m, occurring singly or in pairs along slopes and drop-offs.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (about 26 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (record): 8-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-8 years (KB record)
Diet
FishBase reports that it feeds on zooplankton and also on small benthic invertebrates. In aquaria a varied diet of zooplankton-based and small meaty marine foods suits this feeding strategy.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and largely ignored by predators because of its venomous bite. Suitable companions include clownfish, tangs, cardinalfish and wrasses, while large aggressive predators such as lionfish and triggers should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2009. The species is used in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade.