TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-likes)
Family: Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies)

Genus/Species: Meiacanthus smithi

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Blennies are distinguished by their single, long continuous dorsal fin, their pelvic fins situated in front of their pectorals, and their habit of resting on the bottom with curved bodies. Smith’s Fang blenny has two canine teeth in their lower jaw have a groove in the front of each tooth which carries venom into any aggressor.

Max length: 8.5 cm (3.34 in)

DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Indo-western Pacific Ocean. Found in coastal and inner reef habitats to about 20 m depth.

DIET IN THE WILD: plankton
They have a well-developed swim bladder and reduced vulnerability to predation that allows them to feed in the water column and forage over a wide area

REPRODUCTION: Oviparous, Eggs are demersal and adhesive. Distinct pairing.

IUCN Least concern.

References

California Academy of Sciences, Steinhart Aquarium, Animal Attractions 2018

fishbase www.fishbase.se/summary/Meiacanthus-smithi.html

Ron’s flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/cas_docents/26815445707/in/dateposted-public/

Ron’s WordPress Shortlink wp.me/p1DZ4b-1XK

EOL eol.org/pages/213615/details

IUCN www.iucnredlist.org/details/48342445/0