Plectrypops lima (Valenciennes, 1831)
Shy soldier
photo by Steene, R.

Family:  Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes), subfamily: Myripristinae
Max. size:  16 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 40 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Hawaii, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. Eastern Pacific: Easter Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft rays: 10-12. Scale coarsely ctenoid; no pair of tooth patches at front of lower jaw outside gape; color is uniform bright red (Ref. 2334). Description: Characterized by lack of large spine at corner of preopercle; depth of body about 2.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  An uncommon inhabitant of reefs; hides in deep crevices during the day and roams the reef at night (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feeds on small crustaceans, crustacean larvae, and small fishes (Ref. 9710). Solitary and seldom seen; cryptic (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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