Common name: Ewa blenny

Scientific name: Plagiotremus ewaensis (Brock, 1948)

General information

The Bluestripe Fangblenny, scientifically known as Plagiotremus ewaensis, is a small, vibrant fish known for its striking blue stripes and fang-like teeth. It is a member of the Blenniidae family and is often sought after by aquarists for its bold personality and unique appearance.

Despite its aggressive mimicry behavior in the wild, where it imitates cleaner wrasses to take a nip at other fish, in the aquarium setting, the Bluestripe Fangblenny can be a relatively peaceful community fish if kept with the right tank mates.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
150 liter (40 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
12 cm (5″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots & open water
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live foods, adapts to frozen
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May nip fins & attack small fish
Aggression
Aggresive Aggressive, especially to conspecifics
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Blennies
    Blenniidae
  6. Genus
    Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse
    Plagiotremus
  7. Species
    Ewa blenny
    Plagiotremus ewaensis (Brock, 1948)
  8. Synonyms
    Petroscirtes ewaensis Brock, 1948

Care

Bluestripe Fangblennies are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced hobbyists. They require an aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to feel secure. These fish are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid is essential to prevent escape.

Their diet should include a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and quality marine flake and pellet foods to maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the home aquarium, breeding Bluestripe Fangblennies can be challenging. They are oviparous, with the females laying eggs in a secure location which the male then fertilizes. The male guards the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat

Plagiotremus ewaensis is native to the Indo-Pacific region, where it is typically found in coral-rich areas and lagoons. They prefer to inhabit areas with abundant coral and rock formations that provide ample hiding spots and surfaces for foraging.