Canary Blenny

[Mark Bradley]

So I have a Reefer 170 which I’ve read is an ok size for a Canary Blenny. It’s pretty packed with corals. I’m a bit concerned about the fangs/toxicity of the Canary - I do like to put my hands in the tank when cleaning/ fragging and I’m wondering whether I’m a dead cert to be bitten or will ‘he’ stay away from me given it’s a relatively ‘small tank’?

 

[vetteguy53081]

So I have a Reefer 170 which I’ve read is an ok size for a Canary Blenny. It’s pretty packed with corals. I’m a bit concerned about the fangs/toxicity of the Canary - I do like to put my hands in the tank when cleaning/ fragging and I’m wondering whether I’m a dead cert to be bitten or will ‘he’ stay away from me given it’s a relatively ‘small tank’?

The canary should do well. They occasionally gnaw on coral rock for calcium and should leave coral alone but its a gamble you take

 

[jhadaway]

Mine is out and active. Zero aggression and hides when i work on the tank. Perfect citizen.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

No hands on experience with them, but a quote from i cant think about this genus:

As for the Meiacanthus blennies, their venom is a last resort. If they’re about to be eaten these guys tend to bite their predators which induces the venom into them. If you don’t corner this species, you should be alright and the venom won’t pose a threat to you.

And some info on their venom (they're not typically dangerous, but could be dependent on individual health, allergies, etc.):

Fang blenny venom (found in Meiacanthus spp.) may or may not be overly dangerous to an individual dependent on a number of different factors, but it is a worthwhile concern for anyone who decides to keep a fang blenny.

Without getting into the nitty-gritty of the toxins, fang blenny venom basically causes a large drop in blood pressure, mild (a relative term) neurotoxic effects such as dizziness, and inflammation - the inflammation forms a red circle around the bite immediately and grows in size up to about 10cm around, with a white, raised circle about 2cm around in the center. The inner circle lasts for about two hours, the outer circle for about four, and the bite area inflammation about twelve, but the tissue around the bite remains hardened for a few days. While the bite should be relatively painless (depending on species, it has been described as either being painless or being like a mild bee sting), the effects are cause for some concern, and - as with all venoms - there is always the risk of an allergic reaction to the venom which could be life threatening. So, while it may or not be particularly dangerous to one individual (dependent on allergies, blood pressure, medical history, etc.), it could be dangerous to another.