Striped Blenny

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 75 litres (20 US gallons)

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

pH: 8.1–8.4

Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025

Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate:< 10 ppm

Aquascape:
Provide abundant live rock for perching, grazing, and shelter. The Striped Blenny spends time both within the rockwork and swimming in open mid-water. Ensure plenty of secure hiding spots and a moderate flow environment. As with other fang blennies, a tight-fitting lid or mesh top is important — they may jump when startled.

Diet and Feeding

The Striped Blenny is omnivorous, feeding in the wild on a mix of planktonic crustaceans, small invertebrates, and algae. In captivity, it readily adapts to a wide range of prepared foods.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood

• High-quality marine omnivore pellets or flakes

• Spirulina- and algae-based diets for colour enhancement and nutrition

• Occasional live foods such as copepods for enrichment

Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. A varied diet containing both meaty and plant-based ingredients promotes health, activity, and vibrant coloration.

Temperament and Compatibility

The Striped Blenny is peaceful and social, making it suitable for community reef tanks. It may defend its immediate perch or crevice but rarely causes trouble. Its warning coloration signals its mild venom, which discourages predators rather than other tankmates.

Suitable Tankmates:

• Peaceful community reef fish such as gobies, firefish, clownfish, cardinalfish, and small wrasses

• Reef-safe invertebrates and corals

Avoid:

• Large predatory or aggressive fish (dottybacks, triggers, groupers, large wrasses) that might harass or attempt to eat it

• Multiple Meiacanthus species in small tanks unless well-spaced rockwork and territories are provided

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

The Striped Blenny is entirely reef safe, posing no threat to corals, clams, or invertebrates. It will not disturb substrate or coral placement and generally ignores sessile tankmates. Its peaceful, planktivorous feeding habits make it a perfect citizen in mixed reef systems.

Additional Information

Maximum Size: 10–11 cm (4–4.5 inches)

Lifespan: 4–6 years in captivity

Difficulty Level: Easy (hardy, adaptable, peaceful)

Natural Behaviour: Free-swimming, perching, curious, gentle

Origin: Indo-Pacific – Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Great Barrier Reef

Colouration: Cream to pale yellow body with bold black horizontal stripes; stripes may become less distinct toward the tail in adults; translucent fins

Venom: Mild and defensive only; harmless to humans under normal aquarium handling conditions

Summary

The Striped Blenny (Meiacanthus grammistes) is a hardy, attractive, and reef-safe fang blenny ideal for marine community and reef aquariums. Its bold striping, calm disposition, and intelligent behaviour make it a standout species for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Provide stable reef conditions, abundant rockwork, and a balanced omnivorous diet, and this fascinating blenny will reward you with years of lively, peaceful activity.