ExpertSemi-AggressiveNot Reef Safe

Leopard Blenny

Exallias brevis

Family: Blenniidae · Blennies

Also known as: Shortbodied Blenny, Leopard Rockskipper, Coral Blenny

Max Size

Min Tank

50 gal

Lifespan

5-8 years

Origin

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Bottom

About

The Leopard Blenny is a striking but highly specialized combtooth blenny covered in bold dark spots on a pinkish-white body, creating the leopard-like pattern for which it is named. Growing to about 6 inches, it is one of the larger blenny species and possesses an unusual, somewhat compressed body shape compared to the typical elongated blenny form. Males develop even more vivid coloration during breeding, with intensified spotting and reddish tones.

Unlike most blennies that graze on algae, the Leopard Blenny is an obligate corallivore that feeds almost exclusively on the polyps of stony corals, particularly Acropora and Pocillopora species. This highly specialized diet makes it one of the most challenging marine fish to maintain in captivity. In the wild, it lives directly among branching coral colonies, feeding on polyp tissue and mucus while using the coral branches for shelter.

Due to its specialized coral-eating diet, the Leopard Blenny is categorically not reef-safe and is recommended only for expert aquarists willing to dedicate significant resources to meeting its dietary needs. Maintaining this species typically requires a continuous supply of sacrificial SPS corals or the development of specialized feeding protocols. It is a beautiful but demanding species that should only be attempted by experienced hobbyists who understand the commitment involved.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

The Leopard Blenny is an obligate corallivore that feeds on the polyps and mucus of stony corals, primarily Acropora and Pocillopora species. In captivity, this specialized diet is extremely difficult to replicate. Some specimens can be trained to accept frozen coral foods, enriched mysis shrimp, and specialty preparations, but many refuse non-coral foods. A continuous supply of sacrificial SPS coral frags may be necessary. Expert-level feeding challenge.

Compatibility

not-reef-safesemi-aggressivespecialistexpert-onlycorallivore

The Leopard Blenny is semi-aggressive and can be territorial toward other blennies and similarly shaped fish. It will actively consume SPS corals, making it completely incompatible with reef aquariums containing stony corals. May coexist with other fish in a fish-only or soft-coral-only system, but its dietary requirements make mixed community housing very challenging.

Check Compatibility

Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Leopard Blennies are egg-layers that spawn among coral branches in the wild. The male guards the eggs. Due to the extreme difficulty of maintaining this species long-term in captivity, breeding has not been achieved. All specimens in the trade are wild-caught.