Blenny – Forktail

Forktail Blenny Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  30 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 12.5cm (5″)

Diet: Omnivore

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 8 years

Scientific Name: Meiacanthus Atrodorsalis

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Approx. Purchase Size:  2-3 inches

The forktail blenny, scientific name Meiacanthus Atrodorsalis, is a semi-aggressive fish. Their minimum tank size is 30 gallons. The forktail blenny can grow up to 5” and can live up to 8 years. Forktail blennies are omnivores and should be fed frozen foods such as mysis or brine shrimp. It will also eat algae found in the tank if present. Forktail blennies should be kept singly. Blennies that are similar size and shape will normally fight because of food security, housing spaces or territorial issues. The forktail blenny is reef safe, and will not bother any coral or invertebrates. Forktail blennies will find cracks or crevices in the rocks to sleep and can be seen swimming in the tank during the day. Forktail blennies have small fangs that they use as a defensive mechanism to bite back at larger aggressive fish. The forktail blenny is also called the lyretail fang blenny, or the yellowtail fang blenny.