Cardinal soldierfish

Cardinal soldierfish (Plectrypops retrospinis) — field identification starting point: a usually reddish reef fish with very large eyes, obvious scales and prominent fin spines.

Most catches are smaller than the top size of about 6 in (15 cm).

Up to about 6 in (15 cm) long. Source: FishBase

What it eats isn't well documented yet for this species.

The cardinal soldierfish hides deep in holes and caves on coral reefs during the day and is rarely seen.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start on reef edges, ledges, rocky bottom, patch reefs and nearby sand/grass transitions; work the side with moving water and bait. Habitat reference: Caribbean coastal or offshore habitat appropriate to the species

Habitat: not recorded yet.

Commonly associated with reef, rubble, seagrass or nearby bottom habitat; exact depth varies by species and life stage.

Start near the bottom or reef edge where the species is observed; adjust until bites show the active level.

Water: marine.

Fish legal open periods and favorable sea conditions; no single month works for every reef species.

Night and low light are strong starting periods; many squirrelfish/soldierfish shelter by day and feed more after dark.

Moderate moving water is often productive; excessive current may require more weight or a sheltered edge.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

Small pieces of shrimp, squid, clam or cut bait are common starting baits for many reef species.

Small jigs, soft plastics, spoons or micro-jigs are common choices; use the smallest lure that reaches the zone.

Start with light/medium spinning gear, 10–15 lb line, 15–25 lb leader and a #2–1/0 hook or small jig.

About #4 to 2/0 is a practical starting range for small/medium reef fish; scale to mouth size and bait.

8–20 lb line is a common light-reef starting range; increase around sharp structure.

12–30 lb abrasion-resistant mono/fluorocarbon is a common start.

Bottom-fish or jig around reef edges and sandy pockets; keep the bait near the active zone and move if small fish strip the bait instantly.

Let it go quickly if you're not keeping it.

BigJoe does not classify Cardinal soldierfish as a routine food species from the current source set. That is not a claim that it is poisonous; before eating, confirm exact identification, lawful retention, documented local food use and current public-health advisories.

Not a common food fish — most anglers release it.

Ice it right away. Use a clean board and sharp knife; scale or skin only when appropriate, remove the viscera or fillet cleanly, trim damaged tissue/bloodline as desired, minimize warm-water exposure, and keep the edible portion cold. If the fish carries venomous spines, dangerous teeth or a toxin advisory, follow the safety warning before cleaning.

For routine cooked preparation, FDA seafood guidance uses 145°F (63°C) as the safe internal-temperature target for fish; flesh should be opaque and separate easily with a fork. Grilling, baking, broiling, steaming or pan-cooking can all work after the fish is positively identified, legally retained and cleared for applicable toxin/mercury advisories.

Use a dehooker/pliers and watch for dorsal/anal spines and sharp gill covers. Do not squeeze the fish around the abdomen.

No species-specific size, bag or season limits are listed here.

Avoid needless kills and follow protected-species, area and season rules.