{"product_id":"firetail-dottyback-labracinus-cyclophthalmus","title":"Firetail Dottyback (Labracinus cyclophthalmus)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy we love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn uncommon fish in the trade that turns heads immediately and generates genuine interest from anyone who sees it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy, robust, and unfussy about food once settled; one of the easier large dottybacks to maintain in a well-matched system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn ambush predator with the instincts and attitude of a fish twice its size, making it a fascinating and behaviorally engaging display animal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDespite its reputation, can be kept successfully in large FOWLR or robust reef systems when tankmates are chosen carefully and sized appropriately\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuggested parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 22–26°C (72–78°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalinity: 1.020–1.025 SG\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNitrate: Under 20 ppm; stable conditions support long-term health and reduce stress-driven aggression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and temperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDifficulty: Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperament: 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Firetail Dottyback is a dedicated carnivore and a confident, eager feeder once settled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen mysis shrimp and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp as the foundation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChopped marine meats including clam, squid, krill, and crustacean flesh\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality carnivore pellets accepted readily by most individuals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWill hunt and consume polychaete worms, small crabs, and any small fish or crustacean it can overpower within the tank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed once to twice daily; this species is a bold, assertive feeder and will not be outcompeted at the surface once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility and tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWill 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one Firetail Dottyback per system; conspecific aggression is intense and will almost certainly result in the death of one fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot suitable for reef tanks housing ornamental shrimp, small crabs, or any crustacean small enough to be considered prey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan coexist with large, assertive fish that hold their own, particularly when the Firetail is introduced last into an already-established community\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHealth and acclimation notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are buying\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will receive: 1 Firetail Dottyback (Labracinus cyclophthalmus)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColouring 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue fin edging intensity varies between individuals and may become more pronounced as the fish settles and feeds well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis is an infrequently available species; size and exact patterning at time of sale may vary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Little Shop of Coral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53466488537361,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/5196\/6737\/files\/FIRETAILDOTTYBACKLabracinuscyclophthalmus.png?v=1777227600","url":"https:\/\/littleshopofcoral.ca\/products\/firetail-dottyback-labracinus-cyclophthalmus","provider":"Little Shop of Coral","version":"1.0","type":"link"}