Little Shop of Coral
Leopard Blenny (Exallias brevis)
Leopard Blenny (Exallias brevis)
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The Leopard Blenny is a truly unique reef fish with a bold spotted pattern and a “perch-and-watch” personality. Unlike most blennies, Exallias brevis is an obligate coral feeder in the wild and is not considered a typical beginner blenny. It can do well in the right mature reef with plenty of natural grazing and careful long-term planning—but it’s important to understand its specialized needs before adding one.
Why we love it
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Incredible leopard-like spotting and a chunky, perchy blenny look
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Tons of personality—often sits in the open watching the tank
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A rare, conversation-piece fish for advanced reef keepers
Care & Compatibility
Care Level: Advanced
Temperament: Generally peaceful to semi-aggressive (can be territorial)
Reef Safe: No / With caution (coral-feeding risk)
Diet: Specialized (may not accept prepared foods reliably)
Adult Size: ~5–6"
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons recommended (larger, mature systems preferred)
Feeding & Reef Safety (Very Important)
In nature, Leopard Blennies feed heavily on coral polyps and mucus, especially from SPS/LPS. In aquariums:
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Some individuals may learn to take frozen/prepared foods
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Many will pick at corals and can cause noticeable damage over time
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Success rates are best in mature reefs where the fish can graze naturally
Recommendation: Best for experienced reef keepers who understand the risks and can provide appropriate long-term nutrition.
Tank & Setup Notes
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Provide lots of rockwork ledges and caves for perching
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Stable parameters and a mature ecosystem are key
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Not ideal for frag tanks or coral-focused displays where nipping would be unacceptable
Compatibility Tips
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Generally fine with most community fish
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May bully similar perchers/blennies in smaller tanks
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Avoid housing with fish that may outcompete it aggressively at feeding time
Acclimation & Health
This species can be sensitive to shipping stress and may not transition to captive feeding easily. Quarantine is recommended when possible, and close observation during the first few weeks is essential.
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LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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