Blackline fang blenny (Meiacanthus nigrolineatus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Blackline fangblenny
Family
Blenniidae (combtooth blennies)
Origin
Western Indian Ocean.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
9 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
100 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank and decor: rockwork with holes to shelter in and open water to swim. The tank size given is an estimate. Water: the sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. Keep nitrate low and the water well oxygenated. Safety: the article describes it as venomous. Fang blennies have grooved teeth with venom; a bite is painful, so take care when working in the tank. Identification: yellow with a bright blue mask and a black line from the eye to the tail. The list gives 9 cm; the article gives up to 9.5 cm. Status: occasionally traded. IUCN: Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiacanthusnigrolineatus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

The article gives no diet. Fang blennies swim in open water and take small meaty foods; offer frozen mysis, copepods and other small foods.

Breeding

Not described in the article.

Compatibility and tank mates

The list rates it not reef safe, though the article gives no reason; watch small invertebrates. Its venom means predators that try to eat it can be harmed, so do not house it with fish that might swallow it.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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