Plectrypops retrospinis (Guichenot, 1853)
Cardinal soldierfish
Plectrypops retrospinis
photo by Bryan, D.

Family:  Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes), subfamily: Myripristinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 22 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda (Ref. 9710), southern Florida (USA), and the Bahamas to northern South America.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Small, chunky squirrelfish without a preopercular spine. Circumorbital bones have slender spines, those below eye forward-pointing (Ref. 26938). Body brilliant orangish red, fins somewhat paler. Spines near angle of preopercle somewhat enlarged. Soft dorsal, caudal and anal fins unscaled, their lobes broadly rounded (Ref. 7251).
Biology:  Remains in deep recesses during the day. Rarely seen (Ref. 9710). Found in holes and caves in coral reefs (Ref. 26938).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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