Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Black Lined Blenny has a natural range across the western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, however specimens we offer are aquacultured. This dazzling and overall peaceful blenny makes an excellent addition into a small or standard reef aquarium. Black lined blennies have a grey-blue body that transitions to yellow near the middle and posterior end, with a black line that runs horizontally along the entire fish. Blennies within Meiacanthus are called ‘Fang blennies’ because they have a venomous bite. This bite is typically administered when the fish is threatened by, or being consumed by, a predatory fish. Because of this hobbyists do not need to be overly concerned having their hands in the aquarium, but should exercise caution when handling this species in a net. If biten, the sensation is similar to a bee sting and is not life-threatening; rinse under hot water. This defense mechanism is so effective that the Red Sea Mimic Blenny (Escenius gravieri) has adapted its appearance to look exactly like the Black lined blenny as to also avoid predation. An adult Black lined blenny can reach a size of approximately 3″.
Diet Requirements: The Black lined blenny is omnivorous. A diet consisting of high quality, vitamin enriched frozen preparations is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, and immune function. Such foods can include, but are not limited to, brine shrimp, calanus, and rotifers. Frozen food mixes that contain algae such as Spirulina or Chlorella are encouraged. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements. A Black lined blenny may accept high quality flake and pellet foods.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 15 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a Black lined blenny. Blennies enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge in and on; Black lined blennies do spend a considerable amount of time within the water column compared to other blennies, however. Do not house a Black lined blenny with overly aggressive and pugnacious tank mates. Black lined blennies will almost entirely ignore most other fish, though territorial behavior could be exhibited toward a fish of similar body shape or dietary niche. This blenny would feel right at home in a reef setting, and poses no threat to corals or invertebrates. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
