ORA Harptail Blenny

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Venomous: Yes
• Source: Captive Bred
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25-1.5"
• Approximate Max Size: 3.5"
• Recommended Tank Size: 30 Gallons or Larger

Overview

This Harptail Blenny is shipped directly to you with exceptional care and high-grade packaging specifically made for live animals from our partner, ORA. This animal is certified by the Mr. Chili Sustainability Alliance, meaning it is sustainably bred, was raised with exceptional husbandry practices, and 2% of net proceeds will be donated to support Ocean Conservation.

The Harptail Blenny (Meiacanthus mossambicus) is a species ranging from the Western Indian Ocean to Africa. The Harptail Blenny has a golden-green body, and shows green above the eye. The yellow caudal fin has two long streamers in the classic fork tail shape.

Harptail Fang Blennies exhibit interesting mating behavior. Males will flash color when attracting females. Meiacanthids will typically do better as a group, either as a trio or a male with a harem of females. This unique family of free-swimming blennies is ideal for reef tanks and will delight those who wish to observe courtship on the reef.

All Fang Blennies have high metabolisms and should be fed small amounts at least 2-3 times a day. They will accept a wide assortment of prepared foods and make themselves visible in the water column most of the time. The Harptail Blenny should be provided with ample rockwork in which to hunt and hide when threatened.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Aquarium Requirements

Aquarium Size

More space is always beneficial, but a minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a Harptail Blenny. A larger tank offers more stability in water parameters, which is beneficial for all inhabitants.

Habitat Recommendations

Harptail Blennies are relatively adaptable but thrive best in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Here’s how to set up their ideal home:

• Aquascaping: Incorporate plenty of live rock formations to create hiding spots. This not only provides security, but also promotes beneficial biological filtration.
• Substrate: Use sand or fine gravel as the substrate. These materials are easy to clean and provide a natural look.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of your fish. While Harptail Blennies are considered hardy, providing a stable environment will allow them to thrive and stay healthy.

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 75-78°F. Stability is key, so use a reliable heater that can limit any temperature swings to about +/- 1°F or less.
• pH Level: This fish will do well in a wide pH range from about 7.7 to 8.5.
• Salinity: The specific gravity should be between 1.020-1.026 (27-35ppt). Use a refractometer to monitor salinity levels accurately.
• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite levels should be undetectable, while nitrate levels should be kept below 20 ppm. Regular water changes and proper filtration will help to achieve this.
• Water Flow: Moderate water movement is ideal. This is most often achieved by using powerheads in the aquarium to move water around. Adequate water flow helps push uneaten food and fish waste into your filtration and also keeps the water oxygenated.

Diet

Harptail Blennies are Omnivores, meaning they eat both meaty and plant-based foods. Offering both will give your new fish the nutrition it needs to not only survive, but thrive in your aquarium. They're typically not picky eaters and will accept food in a variety of forms.

Primary Diet

• Frozen Food: Mysis Shrimp or other marine-specific frozen foods can provide a quality diet, but with less risk of overfeeding vs pellet or flake foods. 
• Pellet Food: Sinking pellets are a great option, especially for the Harptail Blenny that prefers to feed in the water column, rather than at the water surface. Pellet foods are typically very nutrient dense, so care should be taken to avoid overfeeding the aquarium, which can contribute to poor water quality.

Feeding Frequency

All Fang Blennies have high metabolisms and should be fed small amounts at least 2-3 times a day.

Compatibility

When it comes to tank mates, the Harptail Blenny is peaceful and can coexist harmoniously with a variety of other marine species.

Common Tank Mates

Here are some ideal tank mates:

• Fish: Clownfish, Cardinalfish, most Wrasse, Firefish, Tangs, Dwarf Angelfish, and other peaceful fish.
• Invertebrates: Blennies won't bother most invertebrates, so Cleaner Shrimp, Hermit Crabs, Snails, Urchins, and more are all safe to keep.
• Coral: The Harptail Blenny is considered Reef Safe and can be kept with Soft, LPS, or SPS coral.

Behavioral Notes

• Venomous: Fang Blennies are considered venomous, but rarely have any incidents with their human caretakers. This is believed to be a defense mechanism used to protect themselves from larger fish.
• Jumping: Harptail Blennies are known to be jumpers, so a tight-fitting top is highly recommended.
• Group Behavior: This fish will typically do better as a group, either as a trio or a male with a harem of females.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation instructions are included in each box, but if you misplaced yours or want to know what to expect ahead of time, you can always find an extra copy here: Fish Acclimation Instructions