How to Identify Red Beryx

To identify Red Beryx (Beryx decadactylus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Brilliant red to reddish-orange dorsally, fading to pinkish-silver or white ventrally. Fins are typically reddish.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, prominent eyes, adapted for low light conditions in deep water., Deep, compressed body., Large, oblique mouth with small, villiform teeth., Rough, ctenoid scales., A prominent, bony ridge above the eye.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 4-5 spines and 13-16 soft rays. The spiny portion is relatively short.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, with long, pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed, typically reaching beyond the origin of the anal fin.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, with 1 spine and 7 soft rays. Anal fin has 4 spines and 26-30 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Its vibrant red to reddish-orange body is a key identifier, especially in contrast to its silvery belly.

2. 2

   Eye Size

   The exceptionally large eyes are a clear indicator of its deep-water habitat and are disproportionately large compared to its head.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   The deep, laterally compressed body distinguishes it from more fusiform deep-sea species.

4. 4

   Fin Ray Count

   Counting the soft rays in the anal fin (26-30) can help differentiate it from closely related species.

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