Fire-Tail Devil/Dottyback?

[cmross13]

Anybody have any experience with one of these? Looks like a giant wrasse but apparently is completely unrelated. I’m not finding a ton of solid info online. Some say reef safe, some say not. My LFS had a massive 5-6” gorgeous fish that someone traded in and I’d like to get my hands on it…

he/she was very photoshy, this was the best I could do lol

 

[dennis romano]

Looks like a big red dottyback. If it is, it could be a tough guy.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

That is a Labracinus cyclophthalmus, one of the largest dottybacks. Their common name of fire-tail devil is likely in refection to their behavior - they are MEAN. I haven't worked with one in years, not worth the hassle IMO. They can get about twice the size of this one. They are "reef safe" in that they won't bother corals, but they will eat shrimp and may attack other fish.

Jay

 

[cmross13]

aww. i was pumped too. thanks gang!

 

[scchase]

That is a Labracinus cyclophthalmus, one of the largest dottybacks. Their common name of fire-tail devil is likely in refection to their behavior - they are MEAN. I haven't worked with one in years, not worth the hassle IMO. They can get about twice the size of this one. They are "reef safe" in that they won't bother corals, but they will eat shrimp and may attack other fish.

Jay

Think one would be fine in a 1200g tank with large angels, tangs and triggers?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Think one would be fine in a 1200g tank with large angels, tangs and triggers?

IDK - I stopped acquiring these decades ago due to their aggressive tendencies, so I don't have a good frame of reference for you - sorry. In a large fish-only tank, they are probably o.k.

Jay