Forktail Blenny

[ndml]

I see that you sell the forktail blenny; however its currently out of stock.

I noticed it mentions on your website that this fish is venomous and also to be wary of children putting their fingers into the tank.

Could you give me more information on this? I really like this fish, but if they are aggressive and I've got to fear putting my own hands (no children) into the tank, I will not be purchasing one. I don't want a trip to the hospital or extreme pain just for a fish.

In other words, are they likely to attack me while I'm cleaning the glass, moving frags around, etc? My hands seem to always be in the tank for one reason or another.

Thanks!

 

[dfs/la2]

ndml,

We understand your concern about keeping this fish in your show tank. If a venomous fish is kept in a home aquarium, there is always a possibility of an injury. If you rearrange the tank and put your hand near the Forktail Blenny’s territory, it is possible it may feel threatened and try to bite you. This is the same with many fish that will defend their territory. The Forktail Blenny’s bites are painful but normally would not require a hospital visit, unless the bite causes an allergic reaction.

Sincerely,

Gwen S.
LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster and Smith

 

[ndml]

Thanks for your reply.

Is this fish known to be aggressive? In other words, is it likely to dart at me while working in the tank, if I'm not particularly close to it?

I think I can use precaution while my hands are close to it; however, do i need to be on the watch at all times while working in the tank?

Thanks again!

 

[dfs/la2]

ndml,

Though an interesting fish, the Forktail Blenny is semi-aggressive and when performing maintenance in the aquarium you will want to use caution.

Joyce F.
LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster & Smith

 

[Nuuze]

Wow, I did not know it was venomous until I saw this post. Here's more info I found:

http://www.proaquatix.com/Docs/ToothBlennies.pdf

 

[ndml]

Thanks for the link!! Very interesting! It downplays the chance of being bitten. I may reconsider the idea now.

Thanks again!