Meiacanthus atrodorsalis (forktail blenny)

[ralphie16]

Meiacanthus atrodorsalis (forktail blenny) have enlarged teeth that are venemous. it is said they give a sharp pain to humans. will it KILL a fish tankmate if it decides to bite one?

also, would one mix well with a midas blenny or would there be aggression/territory issues in a 125 gallon tank?

[leebca]

Thanks for posting!

The venomous bite of the Forktail Blenny doesn't quite work like that. The poison is to stop a predator from swallowing the fish. The fish bites the inside of the predator's mouth to get the predator to spit it out.

Other than being swallowed, I have not heard of this fish biting another fish in a fight or 'argument.' I suppose if it is sufficiently threatened, it would bite, even a human. In general, the fish is peaceful.

The two Blennies (Forktail and Midas) are similar enough in nutritional needs and food sources, to cause friction. They swim throughout the aquarium, even one as large as a 125, and perch on rocks on the lookout for food. This behavior will attract the attention of the other. With the limited resources a marine system has to offer, (I am guessing) the two will not get along.

I do not have first-hand knowledge of anyone trying to put these two together. Perhaps a person with direct experience can better advise.