Striped Fang Blenny

The striped fang blenny is recognized by the black stripes running along its white-yellowish body. In its lower jaw it carries two large grooved teeth connected to venom glands; a predator trying to swallow it spits the fish out once bitten. This defense is so effective that some non-venomous blennies mimic its appearance. Its bite can be painful to humans but is not considered dangerous. Unlike most blennies it swims in open water; captive-bred individuals are available.

• At least 110 liters; open swimming space and rock with holes.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe; it leaves corals and invertebrates alone.
• Small holes or empty tubes where it can shelter at night.

Carnivorous; it feeds on plankton. Offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp, copepods and granule food; twice a day.

Peaceful; it can be territorial towards its own species and similarly shaped blennies. Because of its venomous teeth, predators usually stay away from it; even so, it should not be kept with large predators.

Good companions: Clownfish, chromis, cardinalfish, gobies, tangs, cleaner shrimp.

Avoid: Other fang blennies (in a small aquarium), aggressive dottybacks, large predators.