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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:

In the western Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, cardinal soldierfish inhabit reef colonies, rocky and sandy bottom areas.

Details:

These fish are almost entirely red-orange in color with highlights of blue and purple on their fins and forked tail. They have large eyes and a large mouth for picking up small organisms on the ocean floor.