Blackline Fang Blenny
Meiacanthus nigrolineatus
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Blenny
Family: Blenniidae
Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.
Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Blackline Fang Blenny
General information
The Blackline Fang Blenny, Meiacanthus nigrolineatus, is a popular species in the marine aquarium trade due to its distinctive coloration and interesting behavior. This species can grow up to 4 inches in length and prefers a tank with plenty of live rock and hiding places. They are also known for their unique fang-like teeth, which they use for defense.
Diet & nutrition
The Blackline Fang Blenny is a carnivore and feeds primarily on small crustaceans in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed a varied diet of meaty foods, such as frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped krill. It is important to feed this species small meals frequently rather than one large meal.
Determining sex
There is no visual difference between male and female Blackline Fang Blennies.
Breeding & spawning
There is little information available about breeding this species in captivity.
Diseases
The Blackline Fang Blenny is generally hardy and disease-resistant. However, like all marine fish, they are susceptible to various bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. It is important to maintain excellent water quality and quarantine new arrivals before adding them to an established tank.
Origination
The Blackline Fang Blenny is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, including Indonesia, Fiji, and Samoa.
Cautions
The Blackline Fang Blenny has venomous fangs that can cause a painful sting if threatened or provoked. Care should be taken when handling this species, and they should not be kept with other venomous fish.
Acclimation process
It is important to properly acclimate the Blackline Fang Blenny to its new environment before introducing it to the aquarium. The acclimation process involves gradually adjusting the water temperature and salinity of the transport bag to that of the aquarium water over a period of 1-2 hours.
All photos
Tap a photo to open the gallery viewer.