Leopard Blenny

Leopard Blenny

Exallias brevis

The Leopard Blenny is one of the more unusual blennies seen in the marine aquarium trade. Its pale body is covered in an intricate pattern of brown to reddish spots, giving it a distinctive leopard-like appearance.

Unlike the more familiar algae-grazing blennies, Exallias brevis is a specialist coral feeder. In the wild it lives amongst branching corals and feeds directly on living coral tissue, including species such as Acropora, Pocillopora, Seriatopora and Porites.

This species is not reef safe and should be considered an expert-only fish. Coral damage should be expected in a reef aquarium. Some individuals may learn to accept frozen or prepared foods in captivity, but its natural feeding behaviour makes long-term care more challenging than most blennies.

Provide plenty of established rockwork, caves and elevated perching areas. Once settled, Leopard Blennies can become territorial, particularly towards other blennies and similarly shaped fish.

Why We Like It

The Leopard Blenny is about as far from an ordinary blenny as you can get. Its striking pattern, bold personality and highly specialised feeding behaviour make it a fascinating fish for experienced marine keepers looking for something genuinely unusual.

Care Information

• Scientific Name: Exallias brevis
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Maximum Size: Around 14.5 cm
• Minimum Tank Size: 180 litres
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive / territorial
• Reef Safe: No
• Invert Safe: Generally yes
• Diet: Specialist coral feeder; may accept prepared foods ```