Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Striped Blenny is also referred to as Gammistes Blenny, Striped Fang Blenny, or Striped Poison-Fang Blenny. Native to the western Pacific Ocean ranging from Indochina to Papua New Guinea, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to northwestern Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. It has alternating black and yellow stripes that run the entire length of the body, with the yellow fading to white towards the tail. It reaches an adult size of 5 inches in length.
Diet Requirements: An omnivorous Blenny species, the diet should consist of finely chopped crustacean flesh, mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, as well as frozen herbivore preparations including Spirulina, Chlorella and marine sheet algae for variety.
Care Requirements: The Striped Blenny needs a minimum tank of 30 gallons with live rock for hunting and feeding on small crustaceans as well as hiding. It is best to keep only one per tank. The Striped Blenny is a Fang Blenny and considered venomous. It should be kept only with caution around children having tank access since it may perceive fingers as an attacker and deliver a similarly painful bite. Generally considered semi-aggressive, it does well with other active fish species. Its fangs are more of a defense mechanism used for biting an aggressive fish back. They make a good addition to a reef aquarium, but use caution in smaller set ups, or with smaller fleshy corals. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 2″ or less; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3″; Large: 3-1/4″ to 4″Â
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.Â
