Smith's Blenny (Meiacanthus Smithi)

Species Name : Meiacanthus Smithi

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Black, Blue

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 3"

Venomous : Yes

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Blenniidae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

The Smith's Blenny (Meiacanthus Smithi) is also referred to as White's Blenny, Smith's Blenny, White Blenny or Disco Blenny.

It is pale grey with a diagonal black stripe through the eye. The dorsal is grey edged with a broad black stripe, and the rounded tail is grey with black stripes. The name "fangblenny" comes from the teeth on these fish. Its fangs are more of a defense mechanism used for biting an aggressive fish back.

It tends to do well in an aquarium if provided with live rock in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium. The live rock provides places to hunt and feed on small crustaceans as well as places to hide. They spend most of the time on or around the bottom, or perching in the rockwork of the aquarium. Blennnies are known for their incredible jumping abilities, so having a tightly secured lid is suggested.

It is not usually aggressive unless the tank mates appear to have a similar shape as it does. Blennies can be kept with most other community tankmates like damsels, clownfish and angels. Fang Blennies typically do not tolerate others of the same species except in very large aquariums with enough territory to accommodate their need for space. They are safe for reef aquariums and will not harm most invertebrates, with the possible exception of small crustaceans like Sexy Shrimp.

Feed a varied meaty diet of frozen and prepared foods like flakes, pellets, brine or mysis shrimp, algae, scallop and similar items. All Fang Blennies have high metabolisms and should be fed small amounts at least 2-3 times a day.