Meiacanthus smithii

Datasheet

General Description

The Smith's Blenny, also known as White's Blenny, Smith's Blenny, White Blenny, or Disco Blenny, displays a mostly blue body with a prominent black stripe originating from the chin, extending through the eyes, and down to the dorsal fin. This striking appearance adds a vibrant touch to aquarium setups.

Aquarium Suitability

Smith's Blennies thrive in aquariums of 10 gallons or larger, primarily benefiting from the presence of live rock. Their tank compatibility can be influenced by the resemblance of other tank mates to their own shape, leading to potential territorial behaviors. Generally considered non-aggressive, these blennies rely on their fangs for defense rather than aggression.

Demands

With a moderate care level requirement, Smith's Blennies need specific water conditions to prosper, encompassing a pH range of 8.1-8.4, carbonate hardness levels between 8-12 dKH, and a salinity range of 1.020-1.025. These factors are essential for maintaining the well-being of these fish in captivity.

Care and Hardiness

Considered semi-aggressive in temperament, Smith's Blennies have a hardiness level that makes them suitable for intermediate aquarists. Providing a diverse diet that includes chopped crustaceans, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen food preparations tailored for herbivores is crucial for their health.

Reef Suitability

Reef enthusiasts will find Smith's Blennies to be reef-compatible additions to their setups, blending well with the vibrant ecosystem due to their peaceful nature and intriguing behavior within the marine environment.

Aquarium Setup

Creating an ideal aquarium environment for Smith's Blennies involves incorporating live rock structures that offer hunting grounds and hiding spots. A minimum tank size of 113 liters is recommended to accommodate their well-being and provide ample space for swimming.

Behaviour

Known for their semi-aggressive temperament, Smith's Blennies exhibit interesting behaviors such as defending themselves with their fangs when feeling threatened. Observing their interactions with tank mates can offer insights into their territorial tendencies.

Feeding and Diet

As omnivores, Smith's Blennies thrive on a diet comprising chopped crustaceans, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen food preparations designed for herbivores. Maintaining a balanced and varied diet is essential to meet their nutritional requirements.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Smith's Blennies can be found in regions characterized by rich marine life, often inhabiting rocky reefs and crevices. These fish are native to specific locations, highlighting the importance of replicating their preferred surroundings in aquarium setups to ensure their well-being.