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Cardinal soldierfish

Plectrypops retrospinis

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Fun Facts

Cardinal soldierfish are shy, only venturing out from their hiding spots at night. 

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

Cardinal soldierfish

Size:

Cardinal soldierfish grow to a maximum length of six inches (15 centimeters.)

Diet:

Cardinal soldierfish eat benthic worms and crustaceans like shrimp and crab.

Range & Habitat:

Cardinal soldierfish inhabit reef colonies, rocky and sandy bottom area in the western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf and Caribbean Sea.

Details:

These fish are active at night and tend to hide during the day. They are red-orange with blue and purple highlights, which help them blend into their environment at night. Large eyes help them see in low light, and large mouths allow them to pick up small living things from the seafloor for food. 

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