Forktail Blenny (Meiacanthus Atrodorsalis)

Species Name : Meiacanthus Atrodorsalis

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Blue, Yellow

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 5"

Venomous : Yes

Origin : Pacific Ocean

Family : Blenniidae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

The Forktail Blenny (Meiacanthus Atrodorsalis), also known as the Lyretail Fang Blenny or Yellowtail Fang Blenny. This is an incredibly hardy and reef safe species with beautiful coloration and lots of personality.

This fish is typical Blenny in shape with a long body and large eyes positioned at the top of it's boxy head. The Forktail Blenny has a caudal fin that resembles a fork, with two long exterior spines and five much shorter middle spines. The body is a pale blue that runs like watercolour into a bluish-yellow at the tail. Males are generally larger than females and experience a succession of color changes when breeding. These Blennies do not normally get very big and are therefore a good choice for both small and large aquaria.

The Forktail Blenny needs a minimum tank of 30 gallons with live rock for hunting and grazing. Ensure that the tank has tight fitting coverslides as these fish are expert jumpers. 

The species is peaceful and gets along well in small groups (generally a single male with a harem) when housed together in larger aquaria. It is best to keep just one specimen per tank, unless you can acquire a known mated pair, as these fish can be a little territorial in the confines of the average aquarium. Will cohabit with most species, except for close relatives and much larger carnivorous fish. 

The Forktail Blenny is considered venomous and 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. 

Not at all picky about food, it accepts most types of of aquarium diets. Must be provided with live rock where there will be an ongoing source of natural prey such as tiny crustaceans and various algae. Offer a varied diet including meaty items and herbivore rations. Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, zooplankton, and finely chopped finely shaved krill/prawns/mussel/cockle etc. should all be taken with much enthusiasm. Feed small amounts 2-3 times per day. 

Size: 1-1/4" to 3"