The Beautiful Bundoon
The Bundoon Blenny (Meiacanthus bundoon) is another beautifully unique fang blenny from the South Pacific. Meiacanthus is a reference from Greek meaning “lesser thorn” describing its small fangs; the Bundoon Blenny, like other members of their genus, is technically venomous! A note on fang blennies: while technically venomous, they are not dangerous. Be careful when handling them as they will bite! They have a beautiful dark green near the head giving into a bright yellow stripe that runs all the way to the caudal fin. The rest of the fish is black, and makes for a stunning display species! These are a small fish, rarely reaching four inches in total length.
One of the reasons you seldom see Bundoon Blennies in the hobby is because they only are found in the South Pacific nations of Tonga & Fiji. They can be found in shallow water or as deep as 60-70ft! Unlike some other fang blennies of the South Pacific, the Bundoon prefers rocky reef habitats and drop-offs to make its home instead of over sand & rubble.
A 30 gallon aquarium would be the minimum for a pair of these fish. They would appreciate rock work and branching corals such as Acropora sp. A drop-off aquarium with a nice ledge and the aforementioned decorations would perfectly emulate the habitat where these are frequently found. Make sure that there are plenty of cracks/caves for them to dart in, and they will spend their days swimming over the edge and looking for food!
Based on the wild habits of Bundoon Blennies (waiting in the current for whatever drifts by) they are not picky eaters. Any small reef appropriate foods (gutloaded brine, mysis, finely chopped krill or shrimp/flakes/pellets) should be greedily accepted. The only consideration when working with these fish is their small mouth size, so feed appropriately sized items, spread out meals as much as possible throughout the day.
Meiacanthus bundoon has been bred in captivity, and is occasionally available commercially. Quality Marine most frequently sells sustainably caught wild individuals from Tonga and occasionally Fiji. If one wanted to spawn Bundoon Blennies in captivity it would be best to start with a wild caught pair, or aquacultured juveniles. With good feeding, and appropriate structure, they generally spawn in a cavity, laying with adhesive eggs.
The Bundoon Blenny is another active, unique, and boldly colored fish from the South Pacific. A great, hardy aquarium inhabitant whose rarity within the hobby will cause people to take a second glance at your tank when they notice the beautiful colors of the Bundoon hovering over the ledge, just outside the cover of beautiful corals. Talk to your LFS about ordering sustainably sourced Meiacanthus bundoon, the Bundoon Blenny, from Quality Marine Today!