Ewa Fangblenny

Plagiotremus ewaensis

The Ewa Fangblenny, known scientifically as Plagiotremus ewaensis, is a small reef fish endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. This species is characterized by its orange or reddish-brown body adorned with distinctive blue and black stripes running along its length. Growing up to about 10.2 cm, the Ewa Fangblenny is equipped with sharp fangs, which it uses for both feeding and defense. This carnivorous fish primarily feeds on scales, skin, and mucus from larger fish, making it a secondary consumer in its ecosystem. Ewa Fangblennies inhabit coral reefs at depths ranging from 4 to 55 meters, although most records indicate they are found shallower than 40 meters. They prefer tropical waters with temperatures between 24.9°C and 26.8°C. These blennies are often seen hovering above the reef, waiting for unsuspecting prey. They also utilize empty worm snail holes in the reef as a refuge from predators. Reproduction in Ewa Fangblennies is oviparous, with distinct pairing during mating. Their eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate. While diving in Hawaiian waters, encountering an Ewa Fangblenny can be an interesting experience, as they are known for their unique feeding behavior and ability to escape predators by biting the inside of their mouths. According to the IUCN Red List, they are classified as Least Concern.