Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos

Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos, commonly known as the Bluestriped fangblenny, is a beautiful medium-sized blenny. These fish are very variable. Their base colour ranges from yellow to reddish and blue to black. Dorsal and anal fin are red(dish) in many individuals, no matter their base colour. All of them have two blue horizontal stripes on their side though.

These fish are usually found clear water coral-rich areas. They hide in empty worm tubes or small holes in rocks when scared. In a tank they can best be kept alone or as a mated pair, unless a huge tank with ample hiding spots can be provided. They feed mainly on skin, mucus and even scales from other fishes. To do this they either mimic the cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus or other harmless fish to get close to their victims. They’re beautiful, reef safe and do eat alternative meaty foods but their feeding behaviour makes them not very suitable to combine with other fishes!