Forktail Fang Blenny

Forktail Fang Blenny

The Forktail Fang Blenny, also known as the Yellowtail Fang Blenny, is known from lagoons, seaward reef slopes, and drop-offs up to 30m (98ft) in depth. Whilst many of the Fang or Sabre-Toothed Blennies are known to parasitize other fish, those from the Meiacanthus genus (of which 28 species have been formerly described) feed only on zooplankton as they hover in the water column, and on tiny benthic invertebrates they find on the reef. Juvenile Forktail Fang Blennies tend to gather in small groups, whereas the adults are solitary or seen in pairs. These pretty blue and yellow blennies are distinguished from others of the same genus by the blue-edged diagonal black line extending from the eye, yellow dorsal fin, and deeply forked caudal fin. Meiacanthus species tend to be quite inoffensive, but they do possess two venomous canine-like teeth in the lower jaw that can be employed should they be attacked. Most fish know to leave them alone, but if they are ingested, a quick, sharp bite on the inside of the predator’s mouth from the blenny ensures that it is spat out again – and it is usually none the worse for wear. These fish do not employ their weaponry in an active manner, instead they use it only as a last resort to defend themselves or their territory