The Smith’s Blenny, scientifically known as Meiacanthus smithi, is an attractive, active marine blenny recognized by its pale cream to silvery body and distinctive dark stripe extending along the upper portion of the body. Also known as the Smith’s Fang Blenny or Disco Blenny, this species belongs to the family Blenniidae.
Native to the Indo-West Pacific, Meiacanthus smithi occurs in shallow coastal and reef habitats. Unlike many blennies that spend much of their time perched on rockwork, Smith’s Blennies are active swimmers and are frequently visible moving through the water column.
This species reaches a documented maximum total length of approximately 3.35 inches (8.5 cm). Its relatively small adult size and generally peaceful disposition make it well suited to many community reef aquariums.
This specimen is captive bred/tank raised and maintained at Pacific East Aquaculture in dedicated systems separate from our wild-collected fish. Our captive-bred and tank-raised saltwater fish are carefully observed and maintained under professional husbandry protocols prior to sale, without the routine conditioning and proactive treatment protocols used for wild-collected specimens.
Smith’s Blennies are considered reef compatible and normally leave corals and other sessile reef invertebrates alone. Like other members of the genus Meiacanthus, this species possesses specialized fang-like teeth associated with venom glands. These are primarily a defensive adaptation and help discourage predators in the wild.
Care Guide
Scientific Name: Meiacanthus smithi Klausewitz, 1962
Common Names: Smith’s Blenny, Smith’s Fang Blenny, Disco Blenny
Family: Blenniidae
Availability: Captive Bred / Tank Raised
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Generally peaceful; may be territorial toward similar blennies
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 3.35 inches (8.5 cm)
Diet: Omnivorous; readily accepts appropriately sized prepared and frozen marine foods
Temperature: 74–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Aquarium Requirements:
Provide a mature aquarium with plenty of rockwork, caves, and crevices for shelter, along with open areas for swimming. Smith’s Blennies are considerably more free-swimming than many other blenny species but still appreciate secure retreats within the rockwork.
Temperament:
Generally peaceful and appropriate for a community marine aquarium. Some territorial behavior can occur toward other fang blennies or similarly shaped fishes, particularly in smaller aquariums.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef compatible. Smith’s Blennies are not known for feeding on or damaging corals and are well suited to reef aquariums.
Diet and Feeding:
Offer a varied diet including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine foods, high-quality marine pellets, flakes, and other appropriately sized prepared foods. Small feedings several times daily are beneficial for these active fish.
Special Consideration:
Members of the genus Meiacanthus possess specialized fang-like teeth associated with venom glands. The venom apparatus is primarily defensive. Normal care should be taken when capturing, transferring, or handling the fish.
