Common name: Bicolour fangblenny

General information

The Bluestriped Fangblenny, scientifically known as Plagiotremus laudandus, is a small, colorful fish known for its distinctive blue stripes and fang-like teeth. It is a mimic species, resembling the cleaner wrasse in appearance, which allows it to get close to larger fish and nip at their fins or scales. This behavior is known as aggressive mimicry and is a fascinating adaptation for survival.

Care

Bluestriped Fangblennies are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for a fish-only or reef aquarium with larger, aggressive fish that won't be fooled by its mimicry. They require an aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places. It's important to note that they may nip at other fish, so tankmates should be chosen with care to avoid potential conflicts.

Reproduction

In the wild, Bluestriped Fangblennies are oviparous, with females laying eggs that are then fertilized by the male. The eggs are adhesive and are typically attached to the substrate or hidden within crevices. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but with a well-established pair, spawning may occur.

Symbiosis

While not a symbiotic relationship in the traditional sense, the Bluestriped Fangblenny's mimicry of cleaner wrasses allows it to interact with other fish in a unique way. It exploits the trust that fish have in cleaner species to gain access for feeding, which is a remarkable example of interspecies interaction.

Habitat

Bluestriped Fangblennies are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, often seen darting in and out of crevices.