ANIMAL SPECIES:Leopard Blenny, Exallias brevis (Kner, 1868)
The Leopard Blenny has a fringe of cirri running across the nape and a branched tentacle above both eyes. The species is white with small spots on the head, body and fins. The spots are brown in females and juveniles. Males have brown spots on the head and abdomen but red spots on the rest of the body. The dorsal and caudal fins of males are usually red.
Identification
The Leopard Blenny has a fringe of cirri running across the nape and a branched tentacle above both eyes.
The species is white with small spots on the head, body and fins. The spots are brown in females and juveniles. Males have brown spots on the head and abdomen but red spots on the rest of the body. The dorsal and caudal fins of males are usually red.
E. brevis is the only species in the genus Exallias.
Size range
The Leopard Blenny grows to 14 cm in length.Distribution
It occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific.
In Australia it is recorded from the central coast of Western Australia around the tropical north of the country and south to southern Queensland.
Habitat
The species is found on coral reefs.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
It eats coral polyps.
Classification
- Species:
- brevis
- Genus:
- Exallias
- Family:
- Blenniidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557. (as Shortbodied Blenny)
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