🐠 Leopard Blenny (Exallias brevis)
🐠 Leopard Blenny (Exallias brevis)
Marine Fish • FOWLR Only • Rock Percher • Coral Nipper
📋 The Leopard Blenny (Exallias brevis) sports a striking spotted “leopard” pattern over a tan to chocolate body, with a chunky head, large lips, and perching pectorals that let it “sit” on rock ledges. Its darting, watchful behaviour and frequent perching make it highly visible and engaging.
Unlike many herbivorous blennies, this species is not reef-safe: it nips coral polyps (especially SPS), making it best suited for FOWLR or very carefully planned displays. With structured feeding and ample rockwork, it becomes a bold, character-rich resident.
💡 Highlights
✨ Leopard Pattern: High-contrast spotting across body
⚪ Perching Personality: Always “watching” from rock ledges
📏 Compact but Bold: Suits mid-size FOWLR systems
❌ Not Reef-Safe: Known coral polyp nipper
🐠 High Visibility: Active, engaging display fish
🧾 A Quick Look at the Leopard Blenny
📛 Common Name: Leopard Blenny / Leopard Rockskipper
🔬 Scientific Name: Exallias brevis
👨👩👧 Family: Blenniidae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific (including Red Sea)
📏 Max Size: 14 cm (≈ 5.5″)
💧 pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 27 °C (≈ 75 – 81 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Intermediate (diet specific)
💖 Temperament: Semi-aggressive toward similar blennies
🪸 Reef Safe: ❌ Coral nipper (FOWLR recommended)
🏠 Min Tank Size: 200 L (≈ 55 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Mid to bottom, perching on rock
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 4 – 6 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore with strong preference for coral polyps; train to prepared foods
🐣 Reproduction: Egg-layer; male guards nest
