Meiacanthus grammistes
The Meiacanthus grammistes belongs to the family Blennidae. These fish can be found in the western Pacific and Indian oceans among coral reefs. These fish can be recommended for content novice aquarists, but only if you buy specimens grown in captivity. Fish are relatively hardy, easy to keep and peaceful towards other fish.
They are very attractive fish due to their curious behavior and beautiful coloration. The body of Meiacanthus grammistes is elongated. The main coloration of the body is platinum with a bright golden-yellow spot above the head. Four thick longitudinal stripes run along the body: three along the entire body and one along the edge of the dorsal fin. The stripes run from the forehead to the root of the tail plumage, tapering at each end, at the root of the caudal fin breaking up into dots. The fish has poisonous fangs, but almost never uses them. The fish reaches a length of 20 centimeters.
It is a non-aggressive marine fish and unlike other fish in its family prefers a meaty diet. Can be dangerous for some invertebrates.
To keep the fish is suitable for an aquarium of 120 liters. Meiacanthus grammistes can easily live in the same aquarium with other fish, which do not cause trouble at all. When containing a large group of fish in a common aquarium should take care of a sufficient number of different shelters on the bottom, as well as large snags that reach the surface of the water, on which the fish can climb out. If you plan to keep a couple of fish, then for them is quite suitable aquarium volume of 50 liters.
Water parameters: temperature 24-28 ° C, acidity pH 8,1-8,4, salinity 1,023-1,025. Need filtration and aeration of water.
In aquarium conditions Meiacanthus grammistes feed frozen and live feed, ground meat of fish and shellfish. To diversify the menu, it is desirable to feed the fish plant food. Feed the fish should be small portions 3-4 times a day.
Reproduction
Meiacanthus grammistes in aquarium conditions often form pairs and spawn. That the female spawned can be judged by the tiny pinkish sticky eggs lining the walls of the shelter. Although it is virtually impossible to raise a brood in a home aquarium, it can be very interesting to observe the process of grooming, spawning and caring for the clutch.
