Dampiera Dottyback Grouper (Labracinus Cyclophthalmus)

The Dampiera Dottyback Grouper (Labracinus cyclophthalmus), also known as the Firetail Dottyback, is a vibrant and bold marine fish native to the Western Pacific. Featuring a dark red-brown body adorned with pale vertical stripes and a vivid red-to-orange tail fin, it serves as a dynamic centerpiece for experienced hobbyists.

This hardy, predatory species thrives in Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) setups with ample swimming space and sturdy live rock structure. Reaching up to 23 cm in length, it is best housed in aquariums of at least 283.9 L (75 gal) alongside robust, semi-aggressive tankmates capable of holding their own.

Key Features

Highlights

• Scientific Name: Labracinus cyclophthalmus
• Primary Common Name: Dampiera Dottyback Grouper
• Other Common Names: Firetail Dottyback, Red Dottyback, Fire-tail Devil, Red Grouper
• Origin: Western Pacific (Indo-Malayan Archipelago)
• Max Size: 9 inches (23 cm)
• Temperament: Aggressive / Predatory (Highly territorial)
• Diet: Carnivore (Meaty frozen foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons (120+ Gallons recommended)
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Will eat shrimp and small inverts/fish)

Materials & care

• Diet: This fish is a dedicated carnivore and a highly efficient predator. In the wild, it hunts small fish and crustaceans. In captivity, it readily accepts most frozen, meaty marine foods, including krill, silversides, mysis shrimp, and chopped squid. A varied diet of high-quality frozen foods should be offered once daily.
• Feeding: Due to its aggressive metabolism and territorial defense, ensure this fish receives ample food. Its appetite can make it difficult for shyer tankmates to compete for food.
• Reef Compatibility: It is reef safe with caution. While this species will ignore corals, anemones, and large sessile invertebrates, it will aggressively prey upon and consume nearly all ornamental shrimp, small crabs, and snails. It will also eat any fish small enough to fit into its mouth.
• Temperament: It is aggressive/predatory. This dottyback is highly territorial and should only be housed with large, robust, and moderately aggressive fish that can defend themselves. Good tankmates include large angelfish, puffers, lionfish, tangs, and certain triggerfish. Avoid housing with smaller, peaceful, or passive fish, as they will be constantly harassed or eaten. It is generally kept singly, but can be kept as a mated pair if introduced simultaneously to a large system.

Compatibility

Suitable for FOWLR aquariums with large, semi-aggressive tankmates such as large angelfish, tangs, lionfish, and puffers. Avoid keeping with passive species, smaller fish, or ornamental invertebrates like shrimp and crabs.

How to use

Feed a varied diet of high-quality frozen meaty marine foods once daily. Ensure the aquarium provides secure live rock caves for shelter alongside open swimming space, and introduce to established systems with appropriately sized, aggressive tankmates.

Important Fulfillment Information

Fish and corals ship Monday through Thursday. Not all fish are sexed. If so it will specify.

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