The forktail blenny, scientific name Meiacanthus atrodorsalis, is a species of combtooth blenny present in coral reefs within the western Pacific ocean. This species grows to a size of 11 centimeters (4.3 in) TL.
Forktail blenny profile
This venomous species may also be discovered within the aquarium commerce. It’s also generally known as the eyelash harptail-blenny, poison-fang blenny, or the yellowtail poison-fang blenny.
The forktail blenny is an instance of the fanged blenny. In contrast to most of the different species of blenny fashionable within the interest, the forktail blenny possesses a swim bladder and is an open water swimmer.
Like all fang blennies, it has small venomous fangs in its mouth that it makes use of to defend itself from predators. It’s exceptionally uncommon for them to pose a risk to people in captivity or not.
The tank-bred forktail blenny, with its namesake, forked tail, is a strikingly stunning tropical saltwater fish that will probably be a welcome addition to most group reef or fish-only methods 30 gallons or bigger.
Typically known as the yellowtail poison fang blenny or the cat-eye blenny, the adults of this species possess lengthy filaments on the caudal fin ideas, making them notably showy specimens.
Comparatively small (to 4.three in/11 cm), the forktail blenny, will solely use its fangs in protection towards bigger, extra aggressive fishes.
The Forktail Blenny also referred to as the Lyretail Fang Blenny or Yellowtail Fang Blenny, has a caudal fin that resembles a fork, with two lengthy exterior spines and 5 a lot shorter center spines.
The body is a pale blue that runs like watercolor right into a bluish-yellow on the tail.
Males are typically bigger than females and expertise a succession of shade modifications when breeding.
Hailing from the West Pacific, there are lots of regional variants inside the species.
The forktail blenny is changed by the intently associated canary blenny (Meiacanthus oualanensis) in Fiji and the Tongan inexperienced blenny (Meiacanthus tongaensis) in Tonga.
The forktail blenny might also seem much like the disco blenny (Meiacanthus smithi), particularly given the “cat’s eye” markings.
Each the forktail blenny mimic (Plagiotremus landandus) and the Townsend’s blenny (P. townsendi) mimic the forktail blenny within the wild.
The forktail blenny is often present in protected lagoons and seaward reefs, and adults could collect in small teams.
Nonetheless, it’s advisable for many aquarists to solely maintain one member of this species in a tank except the tank may be very giant or the aquarist is skilled sufficient to offer the suitable husbandry.
Like all blennies from the genus Meiacanthus, this blenny is a planktivore and advantages from an assorted food regimen with loads of meaty choices provided two or 3 times per day.
Whereas a mature aquarium with loads of reside rock will present pure feeding alternatives, all Sustainable Aquatics tank-bred fishes are weaned onto captive dry meals because of the Sustainable Aquatics Dry Hatchery Weight-reduction plan.
The Forktail Blenny wants a minimal tank of 30 gallons with the residing rock for looking and grazing. It’s best to maintain just one per tank except a breeding pair is maintained.
The Forktail Blenny is taken into account venomous and ought to be stored solely with warning round youngsters having tank entry since it might understand fingers as an attacker and ship an equally painful chunk.
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The Captive-Bred Forktail Blenny has a novel benefit over wild-harvested species. They’re hardier and extra accustomed to circumstances present in dwelling aquariums.
Due to this fact, it makes a wonderful alternative for novices and seasoned aquarists alike.
The Forktail Blenny stays pretty energetic swimming and can hardly ever hassle different tank mates nevertheless if harassed by others it’ll retaliate with a chunk from its venomous fangs.
Maintain just one per tank, finest in smaller tanks Use warning when getting into the aquarium along with your palms as it might understand you as a risk.
Blennies will eat largely all meals together with the vegetable matter that comprises marine algae. Strive to feed with Ocean Vitamin System One Pellets repeatedly for a nutritious diet.
The Forktail Blenny ought to be fed a constant food regimen of finely chopped crustacean flesh, mysis, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, in addition to frozen herbivore preparations.
