Striped Fang Blenny (Meiacanthus grammistes)

The Striped Fang Blenny, also known as the Striped Harptail Blenny, is a popular and hardy species in the marine hobby. As a "Fang Blenny," it possesses a swim bladder that allows it to hover in the water column, making it much more visible than bottom-dwelling blennies. It is famous for its bold, horizontal stripes and its unique venomous self-defense mechanism.

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Key Information

• Common Names: Striped Fang Blenny, Striped Harptail Blenny, Grammar Blenny

• Scientific Name: Meiacanthus grammistes

• Origin: Western Pacific (Indonesia to Papua New Guinea, north to Japan)

• Max Size: 10–12 cm (approx. 4–5 inches)

• Lifespan: 5–8 years

• Temperament: Peaceful (but bold due to its defense)

• Diet: Omnivore – Requires meaty foods like mysis and brine shrimp, plus marine algae

• Care Level: Easy

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Appearance & Identification

The Striped Fang Blenny has a very graphic and clean aesthetic:

• Pattern: Features three distinct dark brown-to-black horizontal stripes that run the entire length of its cream-colored or pale yellow body.

• Fins: The dorsal and anal fins often have a yellow tint and are edged with black dots or a solid black line.

• Lyretail: Adults develop elegant, elongated filaments on their tail, giving them a "harptail" or "lyretail" appearance.

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Behavior & Tank Compatibility

• Venomous Defense: It has two large, venomous canine teeth in its lower jaw. It only uses these for defense (e.g., if a larger fish tries to eat it). Because of this, even aggressive predators often learn to leave the Striped Blenny alone.

• Dither Fish: Because it is not afraid of being eaten, it swims openly. This helps timid fish feel safe, signaling that no predators are currently nearby.

• Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. It will not nip at corals or clams.

• Tank Mates: Excellent for community tanks with Tangs, Wrasses, and Clownfish. Avoid keeping it with other Meiacanthus species unless you have a very large tank, as they can be territorial toward similar-looking blennies.

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Ideal Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) is recommended.

• Rockwork: While they spend time in the open, they need caves and crevices to retreat to at night or when resting.

• Lid: Like all blennies, they are expert jumpers. A tight-fitting lid or mesh screen is mandatory.

• Flow: They prefer moderate water movement and are strong enough swimmers to handle typical reef currents.