Short Bodied Blenny

Guides Fish Care Rating:

2 Stars

Scientific Name:

Exallias brevis (Kner, 1868)

Other Common Names:

Leopard Blenny, Honeycomb Blenny, Short-Bodied Blenny, Spotted Blenny and Sailfin Blenny.

Hawaiian Names:

Pa-0'o ka-u-i-la and 'O-'o-pu pa-o-'o

Identification:

The blenny is a scaleless fish and a bottom dweller. The head is large and the mouth has comb-like teeth. The eyes are set up high on the head. Its pectoral fins are broad and rounded allowing the Blenny to prop itself up on its fins while sitting on the bottom. The female of this species has a white, creamy or light tan colored body with dark brown-reddish or black spots over its entire body. The male has a white, creamy or light tan colored body with red and dark red-brown spots.

Characteristics:

This fish is found in shallow waters just outside the reef from about 10 feet out to about 35 feet, occasionally deeper. It is a bottom dweller. It likes to perch on top of coral heads or stones, and at the sign of danger darts down into the coral for protection.

Distribution:

The distribution of this fish extends from Hawai'i southward to central Polynesia, westward through Micronesia and Melanesia, through the East Indies, and into the Indian Ocean as far a Ceylon.

Diet:

In the wild, this Blenny feeds almost exclusively on small polyped stony corals. This fish is difficult to get to eat in an aquarium. Try feeding frozen preparations for herbivores, Mysis Shrimp and/or vitamin enriched Brine Shrimp.

Guides' Notes:

To us, the Sailfin Blenny has a cute, puppy like face with a lot of personality. This fish remains small reaching an average length of about three to four inches, is non-aggressive, and makes a beautiful addition to a reef tank. It is not a fish we would recommend for beginners because of its picky eating habits.