Firetail Dottyback (Labracinus cyclophthalmus)

The Firetail Dottyback, also known as the Fire-tail Devil, Red Dottyback, or Dampiera Dottyback, is not a fish for the faint-hearted, and that is precisely why serious hobbyists love it. One of the largest dottybacks available in the trade, Labracinus cyclophthalmus wears its reputation honestly: a deep, rich reddish-brown body marked with fine longitudinal scale lines, a bold red eye, and the species' most dramatic feature, a vivid flame-red tail that blazes in contrast to the darker body and earns every part of its common name. Blue fin edging adds a final refined touch that rewards close inspection under reef lighting. Rarely seen and rarely stocked, this is an uncommon fish that attracts immediate attention both for its striking appearance and its formidable personality. It is best suited to experienced keepers running large, robust systems where its aggression can be managed through careful stocking rather than contained.

Why we love it

• One of the most visually dramatic dottybacks available, with deep reddish-brown body colouring, a vivid red eye, and the distinctive flame-red tail that gives the species its name
• An uncommon fish in the trade that turns heads immediately and generates genuine interest from anyone who sees it
• Hardy, robust, and unfussy about food once settled; one of the easier large dottybacks to maintain in a well-matched system
• An ambush predator with the instincts and attitude of a fish twice its size, making it a fascinating and behaviorally engaging display animal
• Despite its reputation, can be kept successfully in large FOWLR or robust reef systems when tankmates are chosen carefully and sized appropriately

Suggested parameters

• Temperature: 22–26°C (72–78°F)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0
• Nitrate: Under 20 ppm; stable conditions support long-term health and reduce stress-driven aggression

Care and temperament

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Temperament: Aggressive. This is one of the most assertive dottybacks available and will actively harass, injure, or kill smaller or more passive fish. Despite this, it can be notably shy and cave-dwelling in its own right, particularly when first introduced
• Reef safe: With caution. Corals are generally left alone. Ornamental shrimp, small crabs, and small fish are at serious risk of predation. Larger, robust invertebrates are typically safe
• Minimum tank size: 75 gallons, with an abundance of caves, overhangs, and crevices to allow the fish to establish a territory and retreat when not actively hunting

Diet

The Firetail Dottyback is a dedicated carnivore and a confident, eager feeder once settled.

• Frozen mysis shrimp and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp as the foundation
• Chopped marine meats including clam, squid, krill, and crustacean flesh
• High-quality carnivore pellets accepted readily by most individuals
• Will hunt and consume polychaete worms, small crabs, and any small fish or crustacean it can overpower within the tank
• Feed once to twice daily; this species is a bold, assertive feeder and will not be outcompeted at the surface once established

Compatibility and tankmates

• Suitable only for systems housing large, robust, assertive fish that are not easily bullied: large angelfish, tangs, squirrelfish, groupers, triggers, eels, rabbitfish, and similarly sized or larger species are the appropriate companions
• Will attack, harass, and potentially kill smaller, passive, or timid fish without hesitation; never house with firefish, dartfish, small gobies, basslets, small wrasses, or any fish that cannot defend itself or escape effectively
• Only one Firetail Dottyback per system; conspecific aggression is intense and will almost certainly result in the death of one fish
• Not suitable for reef tanks housing ornamental shrimp, small crabs, or any crustacean small enough to be considered prey
• Can coexist with large, assertive fish that hold their own, particularly when the Firetail is introduced last into an already-established community

Health and acclimation notes

Despite its aggressive reputation, the Firetail Dottyback is genuinely shy when newly introduced and will spend its first days, and sometimes weeks, deep inside rockwork, emerging only to feed. This is completely normal behaviour and should not be mistaken for illness. An aquascape with multiple cave systems, overhangs, and connected crevices is important both for the fish's comfort during settling and for its long-term confidence and wellbeing. This species is a protogynous hermaphrodite: all individuals begin as females, with the dominant fish in a social group transitioning to male. It is hardy and disease-resistant once established, tolerating the kind of minor parameter fluctuations that stress more delicate species. Quarantine before introduction to an established display is always recommended. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is capable of jumping.

What you are buying

• You will receive: 1 Firetail Dottyback (Labracinus cyclophthalmus)
• Colouring can vary considerably between individuals and by region of origin; body tone ranges from deep reddish-brown to darker burgundy, with the flame-red tail and red eye consistent across all specimens
• Blue fin edging intensity varies between individuals and may become more pronounced as the fish settles and feeds well
• This is an infrequently available species; size and exact patterning at time of sale may vary