Forktail Blenny (Meiacanthus atrodorsalis)
Fish in the family Blenniidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
A slender, elongated blenny with a bicolored body: dark brown to black dorsal coloring contrasting with a lighter tan to cream-colored belly. The distinctive forked tail is the defining feature, and the mouth contains small venomous fangs used for deterrence rather than predation.
Diet and feeding
Forktail blennies are primarily planktivorous and should be fed high-quality flake foods, small frozen foods (copepods, mysis shrimp), and microdiet preparations 2–3 times daily. They also graze on algae films and small organisms on live rock surfaces.
Difficulty and care for the Forktail Blenny
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Hole-in-the-Head Disease, Columnaris Disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef.
Log Forktail Blenny in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Forktail Blenny alongside everything else in your reef.
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