A paper published in Current Biology examines the role, effects and evolution of the venom in Meiacanthus species fangblennies. It consists of three toxins, one of which causes a marked drop in blood pressure. Notably, the blennies only use this defensively and it has no application in their feeding.

The paper goes on to examine how mimicry in other blend species allows them to utilise this either to feed on “client” fish and tie avoid predation by pretending to be venomous by color, pattern and swimming behaviour.