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Blackline fangblenny (Meiacanthus nigrolineatus) — Blenniidae

Blackline fangblenny

Meiacanthus nigrolineatus
Family: Blenniidae

The Blackline fangblenny (Meiacanthus nigrolineatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Blackline fangblenny is a fangblenny (Blenniidae) from the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a slender, yellow body. The forebody is yellow and the rear body blue-grey, with a black longitudinal line. 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 Blackline fangblenny?

The Blackline fangblenny has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Blackline fangblenny live?

The Blackline fangblenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Blackline fangblenny get?

The Blackline fangblenny grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Blackline fangblenny dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Blackline fangblenny edible?

Yes, the Blackline fangblenny is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartlijn-sabeltandslijmvis sourced
English name
Blackline fangblenny sourced
Scientific name
Meiacanthus nigrolineatus
Family
Blenniidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
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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