Is there such a thing as a 'black' Midas Blenny?

[tirtza]

I've been on the hunt for a Midas Blenny. I called 3 LFS in Denver and didn't have any luck. However, an employee at one LFS told me that they were expecting a shipment in this coming Monday and he told me to call back because there's always a possibility they might get some. He then said "What color Midas Blenny do you want?" I was very confused by this question since I just assumed they were all basically yellow. I know that their color varies slightly depending on if they come from Africa, the Maldives, or Indonesia. I asked him what he meant, and he said that he sometimes has 'black' Midas Blennies. Is there even such a fish or does this guy have absolutely no clue what he's talking about??

 

[btldreef]

I have never seen or heard of a black Midas. Usually they're yellow, but there is a rare (and expensive) blue variety as well.

 

[tirtza]

Maybe that's what he was talking about? Either that or he has no idea what a Midas Blenny is
So when I eventually do find a Midas Blenny, how do I know it's a Midas and not a Canary. I've looked at pictures of both and they look so similar!

 

[1guydude]

I know high comb blennys are a dark blue that almost looks black. Though they don't have the fangs like the midas. Midas blennys have fangs right?

 

[btldreef]

Canary blennies usually have a more pointed head than the Midas. The Midas is a "fatter" body and usually has blue in the eyes. The canary has black eyes. Midas blennies are a more orange-yellow, or more vibrant coloring.

 

[1guydude]

LOL thxs blenny girl! kool beans.

 

[tirtza]

Thanks for the advice! Midas Blennies do have fangs right? Can you actually see the fangs?

 

[btldreef]

Quote:
Originally Posted by tirtza http:///t/390812/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-black-midas-blenny#post_3462987
Thanks for the advice! Midas Blennies do have fangs right? Can you actually see the fangs?
Yes they do, but their venom seems to not be nearly as potent as most of the fanged blennies. They're almost in a category by themselves when it comes to fanged blennies. On some you can see the fangs, it really depends on how mature they are, etc.

 

[tirtza]

Thanks for the information! So the 'fanged Blennies' have venom? It couldn't hurt people could it? What about my clown fish....could it potentially hurt them?
I've had my QT up and running for a couple of weeks. Lately I've just been waiting and looking for that Midas Blenny.

 

[wartooth1]

Maybe the guy doen't know his Blennies and thinks that a Klauswitz Blenny is a black Midas Blenny?

 

[tirtza]

I have no idea what the guy is thinking of......
I just want the Midas Blenny that I've been reading about. Thanks to TommieLynn I have an excellent description to use in order to ensure I'm that I'm getting what I'm supposed to
Quote:
Canary blennies usually have a more pointed head than the Midas. The Midas is a "fatter" body and usually has blue in the eyes. The canary has black eyes. Midas blennies are a more orange-yellow, or more vibrant coloring.
If I still feel unsure when I'm looking, then I'll just take a picture and post it before I purchase it just to be on the safe side

 

[btldreef]

Your midas traditionally has a more orange tint than a canary. A canary is going to be your standard Crayola Yellow color, but the eyes are the biggest giveaway. I did a little more research, technically there is a "black midas," however, it's EXTREMEMLY rare and most are mislabled, so I'd steer clear of that.
As for the fangs/venom. Could it hurt if it bit you, yeah, but not more so than a bug bite, and the chances of it biting you are slim. Most are only aggressive towards certain fish (firefish being one of the most common as well as other blennies). It should be fine with clowns, etc. Their usually only aggressive with other blennies, certain gobies and sometimes with a pseudochromis if it won't leave it alone. Usually they're fairly peaceful.

 

[tirtza]

Thanks so much for your help TommieLynn! I definitely just want a 'traditional' Midas Blenny, I'm steering clear of any anything else. Thanks for the fang/venom info as well. Due to how much I already spent on my aquarium this month, I'm going to wait until April before I add the Midas. My QT has been sitting there patiently awaiting his arrival. When he does arrive, I might just have to come up with a 'vampire' style name for him since he has fangs...lol
Regarding the QT: How often should I change the water in it. There hasn't been anything in there yet and it's been set up for almost two months. I've just been changing 20% of the water every other week. Does that sound about right to you? I'm using the original sponge (the sponge that had been siting in my DT sump). The sponge is sitting in the Aqueon QuietFlow hang on back filter of the QT. Should I take it out and put it back in the DT sump to repopulate the 'good' bacteria or just leave it where it is? The QT now has some pieces of pvc pipes for the fish to hide in and I've covered the bottom and three sides with black construction paper. I've also made sure to cover gaps between the filter and the tank where the fish could possible jump out. Am I missing anything?