Yellow Tail Fang Blenny (Asia Pacific)
Blennies are diminutive fish typically with elongated bodies, and as such we do not recommend any aggressive or large-mouthed fish to be kept with them; this includes all groupers, snappers, sweetlips, soapfish, lionfish, eels, goatfish, anglers/frogfish, leaf fish, and any other fish who may eat them.
The Yellow Tail Fang blenny is an interesting and colorful fish. It has an elongated body which is pastel blue over the front half of its body and transitions to dusty yellow towards the tail. Across its eye is a dark black line, and its tail develops two long trailing ends giving it another common name, the fork tail blenny. Males and females are visually identical; however males may grow larger. It grows up to 4.5 inches.
Fang blennies have a unique defense mechanism- if eaten by a larger fish they can use their venomous bite to injure the bigger animal and hope to be spit out. They only use this bite as defense and are generally quite peaceful to tank mates. However, care should be taken when handling the fish in a net, or if small children have access to the aquarium and may put their fingers in the water. Fang blennies spend almost all their time swimming in the open water where they can be enjoyed. They are reef safe and very easy to keep.
Diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed more than once a day. We recommend an aquarium of at least 30 gallons or larger.
