Blennies: Blennioidei

Physical characteristics: Striped poison-fang blennies reach a length of 3½ inches (9 centimeters). They have a poison-producing gland in the base of each lower-jaw fang. Black and white stripes run the length of the body from the snout almost to the tail, where they break up into small black spots. The dorsal and anal fins have a black stripe. The dorsal (DOOR-suhl) fin is the one along the midline of the back. The anal (AY-nuhl) fin is the one along the midline of the belly.

Geographic range: Striped poison-fang blennies live in the western part of the Pacific Ocean.

Habitat: Striped poison-fang blennies live on or near coral reefs, seeking shelter in holes.

Striped poison-fang blennies inject venom using fangs in the lower jaw. (Illustration by Patricia Ferrer. Reproduced by permission.)

Diet: Striped poison-fang blennies eat small, bottom-dwelling invertebrates.

Behavior and reproduction: Striped poison-fang blennies inject venom using fangs in the lower jaw. Scientists know little about the reproduction of these blennies. The male tries to entice one or more females to lay eggs in a hole in the reef and probably guards the eggs until they hatch.

Striped poison-fang blennies and people: Striped poison-fang blennies are sold as aquarium fish.

Conservation status: Striped poison-fang blennies are not threatened or endangered. ∎