At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Slender fang blenny
A slim, forked-tailed blenny that is a single bright yellow from nose to tail. Males tend to grow a little larger than females.3
Personality what they are like
Confident and a bit territorial. Like other fang blennies it carries venomous fangs for defence and may give a nip if it feels threatened, so hands in the tank deserve a little care.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Swims actively in the open water and around the rockwork, grazing and hunting as it goes.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Give it established live rock to explore and feed a varied mix of meaty and plant-based foods.3
Home where they are happiest
Minimum about 30 US gallons (114 L) with live rock. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. Offer finely chopped seafood, mysis and enriched brine shrimp plus frozen herbivore foods.31
Company who they like around
Keep singly or as a mated pair; two unpaired fish may squabble over territory.31
The story where it all began
Albert Günther described it in 1880 under the name Petroscirtes oualanensis. It was later moved to the fang blenny genus Meiacanthus.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In the wild it is found only around Fiji.1
- 2
Fang blennies like this one have venomous fangs they use to defend themselves.3
- 3
Pairs lay sticky eggs anchored to a surface by a small pad, and the young drift as plankton.1
- 4
Its old genus name Petroscirtes was swapped for Meiacanthus as scientists sorted out the fang blennies.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2009)1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Canary Blenny. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Canary Blenny?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer food daily, but watch your fish and adjust if needed.3 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Canary Blenny eat, and what should it never eat?
It's an omnivore that enjoys finely chopped seafood, mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and frozen herbivore foods. Avoid any foods not meant for saltwater fish, and never give it live prey that could harm it.31
How much space does a Canary Blenny need?
A minimum of about 30 US gallons (114 litres) with plenty of established live rock is recommended. This gives it room to swim and explore.3
What temperature, light or water does a Canary Blenny need?
Keep the saltwater at 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Provide moderate lighting and stable water conditions.3
How often should I clean a Canary Blenny's home?
Furry Diary suggests cleaning the glass weekly, testing water weekly, and doing a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Canary Blenny live with others?
It's best kept singly or as a mated pair, as two unpaired fish may squabble over territory. It can be confident and territorial, so choose tankmates carefully.31
How long does a Canary Blenny live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific longevity expectations, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Canary Blenny?
Handling is not recommended because it carries venomous fangs for defence and may nip if it feels threatened. Keep your hands out of the tank to stay safe.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Meiacanthus oualanensis fishbase.seused for distribution, size, breeding, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Meiacanthus oualanensis en.wikipedia.orgused for history, synonyms, size
- LiveAquaria: Canary Blenny liveaquaria.comused for care, tank size, water parameters, diet, temperament, colour
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.