Smith's Fangblenny (Meiacanthus smithi) Care Guide
Meiacanthus smithi is a fang blenny of the Indo-West Pacific, found on coastal and inner reefs of Sri Lanka and the Java Sea.
Overview
Meiacanthus smithi Klausewitz, 1962 is a combtooth blenny of the family Blenniidae, commonly called Smith's fangblenny. According to FishBase it reaches about 8.5 cm in total length and occurs in the Indo-West Pacific. Sexual dimorphism is present in this species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Blenniidae
- Genus: Meiacanthus
- Scientific name: Meiacanthus smithi Klausewitz, 1962
Habitat
FishBase records this species from the Indo-West Pacific, including northern Sri Lanka and the western Java Sea, with reports from southeast India. It inhabits coastal and inner reef environments at depths of about 1 to 20 m, where juveniles usually occur alone and adults are occasionally found in pairs.
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)
Breeding
According to FishBase the species is oviparous, with demersal adhesive eggs attached to the substrate by a filamentous pad. The larvae are planktonic and occur in shallow coastal waters.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, bottom-associated fish. 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.