Fin's Fish Guide
The Cardinal soldierfish (Plectrypops lima) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The whitespot soldierfish is a soldierfish (Holocentridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a bright-red body with rough scales and large eyes, adapted to a nocturnal life. By day it shelters deep in crevices and caves of the reef; at night it roams the reef to catch zooplankton and small crustaceans. Unlike the related squirrelfishes it lacks a strong venomous gill-cover spine. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cardinal soldierfish?
The Cardinal soldierfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Bright red with large eyes; nocturnal plankton feeder without the venomous spine of squirrelfishes.
Where does the Cardinal soldierfish live?
The Cardinal soldierfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; reef caves and crevices.
How big does the Cardinal soldierfish get?
The Cardinal soldierfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Cardinal soldierfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Cardinal soldierfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cardinal soldierfish edible?
The Cardinal soldierfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Plectrypops
More from the family Holocentridae
Want the complete picture on the Cardinal soldierfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cardinal soldierfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.