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Alfonsino (Beryx decadactylus) — Berycidae

Alfonsino

Beryx decadactylus
Family: Berycidae
LC · Least Concern

The Alfonsino (Beryx decadactylus) is a saltwater fish of the family Berycidae that grows up to 100 cm.

Length
100 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
110.0–1300.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The alfonsino (Beryx decadactylus) is a deep-bodied deep-water fish of the family Berycidae found worldwide in deep temperate and tropical seas, including the Atlantic and Mediterranean. It reaches about 50-70 cm and has a deep-red, laterally compressed body, large eyes and stout fin spines. Living around seamounts and continental slopes at depths of hundreds of metres, often in schools, it feeds on small fishes, crustaceans and squid. The species is long-lived and a prized, commercially fished food fish. It is harmless to people.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Alfonsino?

The Alfonsino has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Alfonsino live?

The Alfonsino lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Alfonsino get?

The Alfonsino grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Alfonsino dangerous to humans?

No, the Alfonsino is harmless to humans.

Is the Alfonsino edible?

Yes, the Alfonsino is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roodbaars sourced
English name
Alfonsino verified
Scientific name
Beryx decadactylus
Family
Berycidae
Other names
Alfonsino verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
100.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange verified
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked verified
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous verified
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
110.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1300.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
69.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten verified
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Beryx

More from the family Berycidae

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