Fire-tail devil
📖 Overview
Found near shelter of coral or rock of shallow reefs , with moderate surge or currents, in spread-out groups of mixed sexes. Also in tidal pools, reef flats and reef slopes, often in relatively silty areas at depths ranging to 20 m . Moves about activity through the gutters and passages . Feeds on small fishes . Frequently seen in the aquarium fish trade, and has been bred in captivity .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 26; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15. Lower lip uninterrupted at symphysis. Vomerine teeth relatively large, arranged in a chevron. Caudal fin rounded; upper part with 5 - 6 procurrent rays and 9 principal rays. Lateral line with anterodorsal series of 43 - 62 (usually 48 - 62) tubed scales extending from gill opening, and a peduncular series of 12 - 14 (usually 18 - 22) tubed scales. Dorsal and anal fins with distinct scaly sheaths . : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Fire-tail devil is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Fire-tail devil is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Fire-tail devil is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 20 m , usually 10 - 15 m . Tropical; 22°C - 26°C south to the Northwest Shelf of Australia, and east to New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.
🌿 Ecology
small fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Fire-tail devil is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 109 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Fire-tail devil has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cichlops cyclophthalmus | Müller & Troschel | 1849 | Synonym |
| Cichlops hellmuthii | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Cichlops japonicus | Gill | 1859 | Synonym |
| Cichlops melanotaenia | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Cichlops melanotaenia altera | Bleeker | 1875 | Synonym |
| Cichlops spilopterus | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Cichlops trispilos | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
| Dampiera melanotaenia | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Dampieria cyclophthalmus | Müller & Troschel | 1849 | Synonym |
| Dampieria melanostigma | Fowler | 1931 | Synonym |
| Dampieria melanotaenia | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Dampieria ocellifera | Fowler | 1946 | Synonym |
| Dampieria spiloptera | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Halichoeres horsfieldi | Valenciennes | 1839 | Heterotypic |
| Julis horsfieldii | Valenciennes | 1839 | Heterotypic |
| Labracinus melanotaenia | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Fire-tail devil ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.