Latin name

Meiacanthus nigrolineatus

Other name

Meiacanthus nigrolineatus

Identification

Meiacanthus: Greek, meion = less = lessen + Greek, akantha = thorn. 

Blackline Fangblenny have an elongated body shape with a blunt head and large eyes. The body is scaleless. There is no swim bladder. 

Features of fish fins

Fish of this species have a large continuous dorsal fin with 3-17 spines.

Fish colouring

Blackline fangblenny are brightly colored. They have a blue head, yellow body and black dorsal fin. 

Distribution

Widespread in the western Indian Ocean: Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Habitat

A tropical marine reef associated fish. 

Size

This species reaches a length of 9.5 centimeters (3.7 inches).

Behavior

Adults swim above the bottom. Juveniles have been observed mixing with apogonids among Diadema spines as a defense against predators such as Pterois. 

Food and feeding habits

Adults feed on zooplankton. 

Reproduction

Egg-laying. Eggs are bottom-attached and attached to the substrate by a fibrous adhesive pad or support. Larvae are planktonic, often inhabiting shallow coastal waters.

Fishing

This species is commercially important for fishing.

Relationship with a person

Venomous. This poisonous species occasionally enters the aquarium trade.