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Tailspot fangblenny (Meiacanthus urostigma) — Blenniidae

Tailspot fangblenny

Meiacanthus urostigma
Family: Blenniidae

The Tailspot fangblenny (Meiacanthus urostigma) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–13.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Asia: Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand

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Description

The Tailspot fangblenny is a fangblenny (Blenniidae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, yellow body. A dark spot stands out at the tail base. In the lower jaw it bears two large, venomous canine teeth; on a bite the venom delivers a numbing, painful jab that makes predators release it. To humans the bite is unpleasant but rarely serious; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tailspot fangblenny?

The Tailspot fangblenny has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Tailspot fangblenny live?

The Tailspot fangblenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand

How big does the Tailspot fangblenny get?

The Tailspot fangblenny grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Tailspot fangblenny dangerous to humans?

The Tailspot fangblenny is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Handle the fish carefully; the two enlarged canine teeth can give a venomous bite. For a bite: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. The pain and numbness usually subside on their own; for persistent symptoms or infection seek medical help.

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All data

Identification

English name
Tailspot fangblenny sourced
Scientific name
Meiacanthus urostigma
Family
Blenniidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
13.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
Handle the fish carefully; the two enlarged canine teeth can give a venomous bite. For a bite: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. The pain and numbness usually subside on their own; for persistent symptoms or infection seek medical help. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Meiacanthus

More from the family Blenniidae

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