Forktail blenny

Meiacanthus atrodorsalis

Family : Blenniidae

FishMarineblenny

Slender forktail blenny, very active and colorful. Known for its mild venom harmless to humans.

Forktail blenny — photo 1 sur 4 — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 4

Popularity

Beginner marine fish

reef-compatible

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

Indo-Pacific

Récifs coralliens de l'océan Indien et Pacifique tropical.

Description

Meiacanthus atrodorsalis reaches 10 cm. Its body is elongated, bright yellow with a black stripe on the dorsal fin. The tail is deeply forked. It has venom glands in the jaws, but the sting is harmless to the aquarist. It is a pelagic fish that often swims in open water. It is curious and can recognize its owner. It feeds on zooplankton and small invertebrates.

Habitat

Region :

Coral reefs, outer slopes and lagoons

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature24–28 °C

pH8.1–8.4

GH8–12 °dGH

KH8–12 °dKH

Salinity1.02–1.025 ‰

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.1 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

3/5

Diet

Carnivore

Min. tank

120 L

Min. group

Adult size

10 cm

Lifespan

5 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

egg-layer

Care notes

Temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025. A minimum tank of 120 liters is recommended. It needs open swimming space and some rockwork. It accepts frozen foods and flakes. Compatible with peaceful fish, avoid predators. It can be kept in groups if the tank is large enough. Efficient filtration is necessary. It is sensitive to water quality.

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