Latin name

Meiacanthus grammistes

Other name

Striped fang blenny, grammistes blenny, line-spot harptail blenny, striped poison-fang blenny.

Identification

The fish is large, with a pointed snout and a long, continuous dorsal fin. The fish has relatively large fangs protruding from the lower jaw. A venom gland is present.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-28; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 14-16. 

Fish colouring

Brown fish. Identified by a relief pattern on the body that ends in spots at the base of the tail fin. 

Distribution

Western Pacific: from Indochina to Papua New Guinea, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to northwestern Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. In southern Japan it is replaced by Meiacanthus kamoharai.

Habitat

Marine tropical reef associated species. Depth range from 1 to 20 meters.

Size

This species grows up to 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) long.

Behavior

These fish use their venom to stun predators. It lowers the predator's blood pressure by relaxing its jaws, allowing the blenny to escape. 

A solitary species that lives in sheltered lagoons and coastal reefs. Occasionally several adults will congregate in close proximity. 

Food and feeding habits

Feeds primarily on plankton.

Reproduction

Egg-laying. Eggs are benthic and adhesive, adhering to the substrate with a fibrous adhesive pad. Larvae are planktonic, often inhabiting shallow coastal waters. 

Fishing

Fished for sale to aquariums.

Relationship with a person

The fish's unusual venom, which affects the body's opioid receptors, is being studied as a potential new painkiller for humans.