Leopard Rock Skipper
The Leopard Rock Skipper, also known as the Leopard Blenny, is an eye-catching, character-rich fish prized by advanced marine aquarists. With a distinctive spotted pattern evocative of a leopard’s coat and a compact, stout body, this blenny stands out as both a striking and challenging addition to a saltwater setup.
Appearance:
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Grows to around 14–15 cm in length.
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White to pale base coloration covered in dense, dark brown (or reddish in males) spots.
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Males often display red-tinted spots on their dorsal and caudal fins, while females and juveniles tend to remain brown-spotted.
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Features a fringe of cirri along the neck and a branched tentacle above each eye, adding to its textured and intriguing look.
Natural Habitat & Distribution:
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Native to tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, from the Red Sea to Hawaii.
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Found at depths between 3–20 meters, inhabiting crevices in coral reefs where it perches on branches.
Behavior & Ecology:
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This species is an obligate corallivore, meaning it feeds almost exclusively on live coral polyps.
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Their feeding leaves distinctive circular scars (about 2 cm²) on corals that can persist for up to 50 days.
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In the wild, males often overgraze patches of coral to clear a nesting site, which females then use for laying eggs.
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They are somewhat territorial and may be aggressive toward other blennies.
Aquarium Care & Compatibility:
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Minimum tank size: ~50 gallons (or larger) is recommended, especially for adult fish.
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Water parameters: Specific gravity 1.020–1.025; pH ~8.1–8.4.
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive; best kept singly or with plenty of rockwork to reduce territorial stress.
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Feeding: Difficult to wean off coral; they may accept frozen or prepared meaty foods, but many will not thrive without a steady supply of coral.
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Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe. Because they feed on live stony corals, they can cause damage in a reef environment.
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Lid: Provide a tight-fitting lid—like many blennies, they may jump.
Why Choose This Fish:
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Visually arresting: Its spotted pattern and unique body shape make it a real centerpiece.
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Character & personality: It has fascinating behaviors — from carving spots in coral to its territorial nature.
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For advanced keepers: Its specialized diet and care needs make it a rewarding challenge for experienced hobbyists with the right setup.
