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TheCanary Blenny(Meiacanthus oualanensis) — also called the Yellow Forktail Blenny — is a brilliant lemon-yellow fang blenny from the Fijian reefs. It’s an easygoing, reef-safe planktivore that hovers and darts mid-water, adding color and personality to any community reef tank. Care level is beginner-friendly, temperament is semi-aggressive (one per tank). Pair it with other saltwater livestock and supplies from our shop.
Care Guide
- Tank size:30 gallons minimum, with plenty of live rock for perching and hunting.
- Temperature:72–78°F (22–26°C).
- Salinity:1.020–1.025 specific gravity (1.025 sg if housed with corals/inverts).
- pH:8.1–8.4.
- Alkalinity:8–12 dKH.
- Aquascape:Open swimming space above, plenty of caves, ledges, and crevices in the rockwork for retreats.
- Lid required:Yes — like all blennies, the Canary Blenny is a confirmed jumper. A tight-fitting lid or mesh screen is mandatory.
- Feeding:Carnivore/planktivore. Feed 2–3 times per day with mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped krill, marine flake and pellet.
Specifications
| Common Name | Canary Blenny (Yellow Forktail Blenny) |
| Scientific Name | Meiacanthus oualanensis |
| Family | Blenniidae |
| Origin | Fiji (West-Central Pacific) |
| Care Level | Beginner |
| Diet | Carnivore (planktivore) |
| Reef Compatible | Yes |
| Lifespan | 4–6 years with good care |
| Size at Purchase | Approx. 1.5–2 in (adult ~4 in / 10 cm) |
| Water Type | Saltwater |
Compatibility
Temperament:Semi-aggressive — generally peaceful toward unrelated species but territorial with its own kind. Keep only one per tank unless you have a proven mated pair and a 75+ gallon system. Like all fang blennies (Meiacanthus), the Canary Blenny has venomous fangs used purely defensively; most predators learn to leave them alone after one nip.
Good tank mates:
- Clownfish — e.g., Maroon Goldstripe Clownfish
- Tangs (tank-size-appropriate) — Tomini Tang
- Wrasses — Cleaner Wrasse
- Cleaner crews — Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Peppermint Shrimp, Mexican Red Leg Hermit Crab, Nassarius Snails
- Peaceful reef-safe fish: cardinalfish, firefish, royal gramma, small chromis, dottybacks
Avoid:OtherMeiacanthusblennies (territorial conflict), aggressive predators (lionfish, large groupers, triggers), eels, and very small tankmates that could be mistaken for food.
Recommended Foods & Supplies
- SFBB Freeze-Dried Mysis Shrimp — a staple meaty food for fang blennies
- Reef Nutrition Tigger Feast — liveTigriopuscopepods for natural hunting behavior
- Bulldawg Copepod Mix — live marine pods to seed the rockwork
- Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake — high-protein flake supplement
- Browse all aquarium nutrition
- Water care & conditioners and water testing kits
- Shop more saltwater livestock & supplies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canary Blenny really venomous?
Yes — like allMeiacanthusfang blennies, it carries mild venom in its fangs and uses it strictly for defense. It is not aggressive toward people, but be careful when working in the tank and don’t handle the fish bare-handed.
Will it eat my corals or clean-up crew?
No. The Canary Blenny is fully reef safe — it won’t pick at corals, clams, or invertebrates and ignores ornamental shrimp and snails.
Can I keep more than one?
Only as a confirmed mated pair, and only in a tank of 75+ gallons with plenty of separate territories. Two unpaired Canary Blennies will fight.
Do I really need a lid?
Yes — Canary Blennies are strong jumpers, especially in the first weeks. A tight-fitting glass top, polycarbonate cover, or DIY mesh screen is non-negotiable.
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