Forktail Blenny
Forktail Blenny
Forktail Blenny (Meiacanthus atrodorsalis)
The Forktail Blenny is a vibrant and charismatic addition to any reef aquarium, known for its striking coloration and dynamic personality. With its electric blue body and distinctive forked tail, this blenny creates a captivating visual display among your reef's vibrant corals and rockwork.
Care Level & Requirements
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons
Diet: Omnivore – accepts a variety of prepared and frozen foods
Reef Safe: Yes
Care Requirements
The Forktail Blenny thrives in well-maintained reef aquariums with stable water parameters. Ideal conditions include a temperature range of 72-78°F, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. A tank size of 30 gallons or more is recommended to provide ample swimming space and hiding spots, allowing this active swimmer to explore and retreat as needed.
Feeding your Forktail Blenny is straightforward, as they are omnivorous and readily accept a variety of foods. Offer a balanced diet of high-quality marine pellets, flakes, and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp to ensure vibrant health and coloration.
Compatibility & Reef Tank Suitability
The Forktail Blenny is an excellent choice for community and reef aquariums, offering peaceful coexistence with most tank mates. Its reef-safe nature means it won’t harm corals or invertebrates, making it a perfect companion for a diverse reef setup. It’s best housed with other peaceful fish species to prevent stress and encourage natural behavior.
What to Expect
Adding a Forktail Blenny to your aquarium introduces a pop of color and energy, enhancing the overall dynamics of your reef environment. Their inquisitive nature and active swimming pattern provide endless entertainment for both novice and experienced hobbyists. With proper care, this enchanting blenny will become a cherished member of your aquatic community.
Feeding & Diet
Feeding & Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, the Pithos Crab will scavenge detritus, uneaten food, and algae — making it a natural cleanup crew member. Supplement with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or pellets 2–3x per week if natural food sources are limited.
Care & Water Parameters
Care & Water Parameters
The Pithos Crab thrives in stable, well-maintained reef conditions. Target parameters: temperature 72–78°F, salinity 1.025–1.026 SG, pH 8.1–8.4, and alkalinity 8–12 dKH. A mature, established tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Generally considered reef-safe. The Pithos Crab coexists well with most corals and peaceful fish. Use caution with very small invertebrates or slow-moving tankmates. Provide ample rockwork and hiding spots to reduce territorial behavior.
Size & Growth
Size & Growth
Pithos Crabs are typically shipped at 0.5–1.5 inches. They are slow-growing and generally remain small, making them well-suited for nano and mid-size reef systems.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
All livestock ships with heat or cold packs as needed and is packaged for safe transit. We stand behind a live arrival guarantee — if your animal arrives DOA, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a clear photo. See our full DOA policy for claim details.
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