Gosline's Fangblenny

Plagiotremus goslinei

Gosline's Fangblenny, also known as the biting blenny, is a small reef fish reaching up to 6.4 cm in length. It is easily identified by its bright blue stripes running along its elongated, compressed body. This blenny possesses two large canines on its lower jaw, which are not only sharp but also potentially venomous. These fangs can deliver an opioid poison, providing a unique defense mechanism against predators. This species is primarily found in the coral reefs of the Hawaiian Islands, inhabiting depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters. It thrives in tropical marine environments, often seen in or over coral reefs and rocky seashores with good water circulation. Divers might encounter this fish in shallow waters, where it is known to be benthic or benthopelagic. The diet of Gosline's Fangblenny is quite diverse, including mucus, scales, and skin tissue from larger fish. It also consumes small crustaceans, shrimp, worms, zooplankton, and fish eggs. This blenny is known for its sneaky behavior, as it often approaches larger fish from behind to take bites out of their backs and sides. The species is oviparous, with eggs that are demersal and adhesive, attaching to substrates in the environment. Its population is currently categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN.