Striped Poison-Fang Blenny (Meiacanthus grammistes) Care Guide
Meiacanthus grammistes is a venomous striped fang blenny of the western Pacific, mimicked by the blenny Petroscirtes breviceps.
Overview
Meiacanthus grammistes (Valenciennes, 1836) is a combtooth blenny of the family Blenniidae, commonly called the striped poison-fang blenny. According to FishBase it reaches about 11 cm in total length and occurs across the western Pacific. It has relatively large canine fangs in the lower jaw and is one of the venomous Meiacanthus species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Blenniidae
- Genus: Meiacanthus
- Scientific name: Meiacanthus grammistes (Valenciennes, 1836)
Habitat
FishBase records this species from the western Pacific, from Indochina to Papua New Guinea, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to northwestern Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. It is a solitary inhabitant of sheltered lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of about 1 to 20 m.
Venom and mimicry
FishBase notes both a fang and a venom gland in this species. Research described on Wikipedia reports that the venom contains a neuropeptide, a lipase and an opioid peptide, and acts on opioid receptors to lower a predator's blood pressure, helping the blenny escape. FishBase records that M. grammistes is mimicked by another blenny, Petroscirtes breviceps.
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)
Compatibility
The species is peaceful toward most tankmates and protected from predators by 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.