Plectrypops lima

''Plectrypops lima'', also known as the shy soldier, is a species of soldierfish in the family Holocentridae ([https://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/sftep/en/thefishes/species/950 4]). It is widely found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to Hawaii and parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean ([https://www.underwaterkwaj.com/uw-misc/squirrel/Plectrypops-lima.htm 1], [https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/7c206f9f-3b3d-4175-b0b8-7a4f0122082f 2]). This species is associated with coral reef ecosystems and is considered uncommon but is found on many reefs [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. It hides in crevices and caves during the day and comes out at night to feed [https://www.marinelifephotography.com/fishes/squirrelfishes/plectrypops-lima.htm (3)]. Its diet mainly includes small shrimp, crabs, krill, larvae, and small fishes [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. These traits help it survive in low-light reef environments [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)].{{Speciesbox | image = Plectrypops lima J. E. Randall.jpg | image_caption = | status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1 | status_ref = <ref>{{Cite journal | author = Williams, I. | author2 = Greenfield, D. | name-list-style = amp | title = ''Plectrypops lima'' | journal = The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species | volume = 2016 | publisher = IUCN | date = 2016 | url = https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/67899991/115440924 | access-date = 5 September 2021}}</ref> | genus = Plectrypops | species = lima | authority = (Valenciennes, 1831) | synonyms = ''Myripistis lima'' Valenciennes, 1831 ''Holtrachys lima'' Valenciennes, 1831 }}

== Description == ''Plectrypops lima'' has a slightly elongated body that is compressed from side to side, which is common among soldierfish species [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. It can grow up to about 10 inches in length but is usually around 6 inches long [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. Its body is bright red, which helps it blend into coral reefs, especially in low lighting [https://www.marinelifephotography.com/fishes/squirrelfishes/plectrypops-lima.htm (3)]. One of its most noticeable features is its large eyes, which help it see in low-light conditions [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. The dorsal fin has sharp spines that help protect the fish from predators [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. The species also has rough textured scales, which explains its other common name, the roughscale soldierfish [https://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/sftep/en/thefishes/species/950 (4)]. These physical features help it survive in reef habitats [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)].

== Distribution and habitat == ''Plectrypops lima'' is widely found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as East Africa, Hawaii, Japan, and parts of the Pacific Ocean ([https://www.underwaterkwaj.com/uw-misc/squirrel/Plectrypops-lima.htm 1], [https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/7c206f9f-3b3d-4175-b0b8-7a4f0122082f 2]). It has also been observed in Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands (1). The species is found in tropical waters where coral reef systems are present [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. It prefers sheltered habitats such as caves, ledges, and deep crevices within coral reefs [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. It is commonly found at depths between about 3 and 40 meters [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. During the day it remains hidden to avoid predators [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. At night it becomes more active and moves into open areas to search for food [https://www.marinelifephotography.com/fishes/squirrelfishes/plectrypops-lima.htm (3)].

== Humans use == There is little evidence that humans use ''Plectrypops lima'' for food or fishing because it is relatively small and usually stays hidden [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622 (5)]. However, divers and underwater photographers sometimes observe this species on coral reefs [https://www.marinelifephotography.com/fishes/squirrelfishes/plectrypops-lima.htm (3)]. It can also be useful for education and for studying coral reef ecosystems [https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/7c206f9f-3b3d-4175-b0b8-7a4f0122082f (2)].

== References == {{Reflist}} # [https://www.underwaterkwaj.com/uw-misc/squirrel/Plectrypops-lima.htm Marshall Islands Marine Species Records. ''Plectrypops lima.''] # [https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/7c206f9f-3b3d-4175-b0b8-7a4f0122082f Atlas of Living Australia: ''Plectrypops lima''] # [https://www.marinelifephotography.com/fishes/squirrelfishes/plectrypops-lima.htm Marine Life Photography: ''Plectrypops lima''] # [https://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/sftep/en/thefishes/species/950 Species: ''Plectrypops lima'', Roughscale soldierfish, Shy soldierfish] # [http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1622\ Saltcorner. ''Plectrypops lima'' (Roughscale Soldierfish).] {{Taxonbar|from=Q2222642}}

Category:Fish of the Pacific Ocean Category:Taxa named by Achille Valenciennes Category:Fish of the Indian Ocean Category:Holocentridae