ORA Smith Blenny

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Venomous: Yes
• Source: Captive Bred
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25-1.5"
• Approximate Max Size: 3.5"
• Recommended Tank Size: 30 Gallons or Larger

Also called the Disco Blenny, this member of the Fang Blenny family is from the western Indo-Pacific. Smith Blennies are white in color with a black line at the base of the dorsal fin. Attractive and free-swimming, they are an uncommon species and a special addition to any size reef tank.

All Fang Blennies have high metabolisms and should be fed small amounts at least 2-3 times a day. They will accept a wide assortment of prepared foods and make themselves visible in the water column most of the time. The Smith Blenny should be provided with ample rockwork in which to hunt and hide when threatened.

In the wild, they’re usually solitary and are often peaceful toward tankmates unless presented with conspecifics or similar-looking fish.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Aquarium Requirements

Providing the Smith Blenny with adequate swimming room, stable water conditions, and plenty of rockwork will help it settle into the aquarium and feel secure.

Minimum Aquarium Size: 30+ Gallons

More space is always beneficial, and a larger aquarium offers greater stability in water parameters, which is beneficial for all inhabitants.

Habitat Recommendations

Aquascape

Incorporate plenty of live rock formations to create hiding spots and areas for the Smith Blenny to explore. This provides security while also contributing to biological filtration.

Water Parameters

While Smith Blennies are considered hardy, providing a stable environment will help them thrive and stay healthy.

• Temperature: 75-78°F
• pH Level: 7.7-8.5
• Salinity (Specific Gravity): 27-35 ppt (1.020-1.026)
• Ammonia: Undetectable
• Nitrite: Undetectable
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

Stability is key, so use a reliable heater that can limit temperature swings to about +/- 1°F or less. A refractometer can also help monitor salinity accurately. Regular water changes and proper filtration will help maintain appropriate nutrient levels.

Diet

Smith Blennies are omnivores, meaning they eat both meaty and plant-based foods. Offering a varied diet will give your new fish the nutrition it needs to not only survive, but thrive in your aquarium. They’re typically not picky eaters and will accept food in a variety of forms.

Recommended Foods Include:

• Mysis Shrimp
• Marine-Specific Frozen Foods
• Sinking Pellets

Frozen foods can provide a quality diet with less risk of overfeeding compared with pellet or flake foods. Sinking pellets are also a great option for the Smith Blenny, which prefers to feed in the water column rather than at the water surface. Pellet foods are typically very nutrient-dense, so care should be taken to avoid overfeeding the aquarium, which can contribute to poor water quality.

All Fang Blennies have high metabolisms and should be fed small amounts at least 2-3 times a day.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Smith Blennies can coexist harmoniously with a variety of other marine species. In the wild, they’re usually solitary and are often peaceful toward tankmates unless presented with conspecifics or similar-looking fish.

Common tankmates can include clownfish, cardinalfish, most wrasses, firefish, tangs, dwarf angelfish, and other peaceful fish.

Reef Compatibility

Reef Safe: Yes

Smith Blennies generally won’t bother most invertebrates, including cleaner shrimp, hermit crabs, snails, and urchins. They can also be kept with soft corals, LPS, and SPS corals.

Behavioral Notes

Territoriality

The Smith Blenny may show aggression toward its own species.

Venomous

Fang Blennies are considered venomous, but incidents involving their human caretakers are rare. This is believed to be a defense mechanism used to protect themselves from larger fish.

Jumping

Smith Blennies are known to be jumpers, so a tight-fitting aquarium top is highly recommended.

Acclimation & Arrival

Acclimation instructions are included in each box, but if you misplaced yours or want to know what to expect ahead of time, you can always find an extra copy here: Fish Acclimation Instructions