Leopard blenny
📖 Overview
Adults occur on clear coastal reefs, often in bays and semi-exposed habitats . Found on the seaward edge of reefs, among corals like Acropora, Pocillopora, Seriatopora, Porites, and Millepora where they feed on coral tissues . Benthic . Males prepare nesting sites by overgrazing a patch of coral . Oviparous. Eggs are demersal and adhesive , and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal . Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15. Numerous papillae on the upper lip, smaller and more closely spaced spots. Nuchal cirri: 30 - 36.: short and / or deep; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Leopard blenny is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 20 m , usually 3 - 8 m . Tropical; 30°N - 30°S south to Sodwana Bay, South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
coral tissues (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Leopard blenny is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 129 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Leopard blenny has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cirripectes leopardus | Day | 1870 | Synonym |
| Cirripectus leopardus | Day | 1870 | Synonym |
| Exalia brevis | Kner | 1868 | Synonym |
| Exalias brevis | Kner | 1868 | Synonym |
| Salarias brevis | Kner | 1868 | Synonym |
| Salarias leopardus | Day | 1870 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Leopard blenny.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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