Yellow Canary Blenny

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Venomous: Yes
• Source: See Options
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25-1.5"
• Approximate Max Size: 4-5"
• Recommended Tank Size: 20 Gallons or Larger

The Canary Blenny (Meiacanthus oualanensis) has a striking yellow color that makes it an excellent addition to a reef aquarium. This exotic fish is found in the currents of lagoons and reefs off Fiji and Tonga where it feeds on zooplankton.

The Canary Blenny is a natural choice for a reef tank because it mixes well with other fish, the only exception being similarly shaped blennies.  It will not disturb corals or other invertebrates. It may act aggressively toward other fish if provoked but is generally peaceful in a large aquarium.

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 Canary 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 20 gallons is recommended for a Canary Blenny. A larger tank offers more stability in water parameters, which is beneficial for all inhabitants.

Habitat Recommendations

Canary 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 Canary 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

Canary 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. We at Summit City Coral prefer frozen foods such as LRS Herbivore Frenzy and PE Mysis for feeding blennies. 
• Pellet Food: Sinking pellets are a great option, especially for the Canary 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. Our favorite brand for pellets is the New Life Spectrum Probiotix.

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 Canary 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 Canary Blenny is considered Reef Safe and can be kept with Soft, LPS, or SPS coral.

Behavioral Notes

• Territoriality: The Canary Blenny may show aggression towards it's own species.
• 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: Canary Blennies are known to be jumpers, so a tight-fitting top is highly recommended.

Acclimation Process

This technique is recommended because the gradual addition of your tank water accounts for water temperature and slowly introduces the fish to your aquarium's water chemistry.