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Freshwater fangblenny (Meiacanthus anema) — Blenniidae

Freshwater fangblenny

Meiacanthus anema
Family: Blenniidae

The Freshwater fangblenny (Meiacanthus anema) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7.2 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Depth
0.0–10.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Freshwater fangblenny is a fangblenny (Blenniidae) from coastal and brackish water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a slender, greyish body. The greyish body is fairly plain with a yellowish tinge. In the lower jaw it bears two large, venomous canine teeth; on a bite the venom delivers a numbing, painful jab that makes predators release it. To humans the bite is unpleasant but rarely serious; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Freshwater fangblenny?

The Freshwater fangblenny has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Freshwater fangblenny live?

The Freshwater fangblenny lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Freshwater fangblenny get?

The Freshwater fangblenny grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Freshwater fangblenny dangerous to humans?

The Freshwater fangblenny is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Freshwater fangblenny edible?

Yes, the Freshwater fangblenny is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zoetwater-sabeltandslijmvis sourced
English name
Freshwater fangblenny sourced
Scientific name
Meiacanthus anema
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Threadless blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Meiacanthus

More from the family Blenniidae

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