Common name: Wolf fangblenny

General information

The Bluestriped Fangblenny, scientifically known as Petroscirtes lupus, is a small, colorful fish known for its distinctive blue stripes and fang-like teeth. It is a member of the Blenniidae family, which is characterized by their comb-like teeth and a preference for dwelling close to the substrate.

Bluestriped Fangblennies are notable for their mimicry behavior, where they imitate the cleaning wrasse to get close to larger fish and then nip at their fins or scales. This behavior is an interesting example of aggressive mimicry in the marine environment.

Care

In the aquarium, Bluestriped Fangblennies require a tank with plenty of live rock and hiding places to feel secure. They are generally hardy and can adapt to a variety of aquarium conditions, but they should be kept in a species-specific tank or with larger, aggressive fish that won't be fooled by their mimicry.

Their diet should include a variety of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and quality marine flake and pellet foods. It's important to note that they may nip at the fins of tankmates, so careful selection of companions is crucial.

Reproduction

In the wild, Bluestriped Fangblennies are oviparous, with males often displaying territorial behavior and guarding the nesting sites. Breeding in captivity is not common, but with the right environment and a well-established pair, it is possible.

Habitat

Bluestriped Fangblennies are found in shallow, tropical marine waters, often around coral reefs and rocky outcrops. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia and the Great Barrier Reef.