Hai una foto? Identifica i pesci all'istante con l'app Fishby.
Apri l'appDescrizione
Beryx decadactylus, commonly known as the Alfonsino, is a deep-water, benthopelagic fish belonging to the family Berycidae. It is characterized by its striking red coloration, large eyes, and compressed body. This species is commercially important in many parts of its range, valued for its firm, white flesh.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- compressed
- Colorazione
- Bright red to reddish-orange dorsally, fading to pinkish-silver ventrally. Fins are typically reddish.
- Tipo di squame
- ctenoid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Large, prominent eyes, adapted for low light conditions in deep water., Deep, compressed body., Large, rough scales., A single dorsal fin with strong spines., Forked caudal fin.
- Pinna dorsale
- Single dorsal fin with IV-V strong spines followed by 13-16 soft rays. The spiny portion is relatively short.
- Pinna caudale
- Deeply forked caudal fin, with pointed lobes.
- Pinna pettorale
- Long and pointed, typically with 16-18 rays.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are thoracic, with I spine and 9-10 soft rays, often reaching beyond the anus. Anal fin has IV spines and 26-30 soft rays.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Coloration
Its vibrant red to reddish-orange body is a key identifier, especially when freshly caught.
Eye Size
The exceptionally large eyes are characteristic of deep-sea fish and are very prominent in Alfonsino.
Body Shape
The deep, laterally compressed body distinguishes it from many other deep-water species.
Fin Ray Counts
Precise counts of fin rays (D IV-V, 13-16; A IV, 26-30; P 16-18; V I, 9-10) are definitive for species identification, especially when differentiating from closely related Beryx species.
Scales
The large, rough, ctenoid scales are noticeable upon close inspection.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found at depths ranging from 200 to 1000 meters (650 to 3300 feet), occasionally shallower or deeper.
- Ambiente
- Benthopelagic, inhabiting continental slopes, seamounts, and oceanic ridges. Prefers rocky bottoms and areas with complex topography.
- Areale geografico
- Cosmopolitan in tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Found in the eastern Atlantic from Iceland to South Africa, including the Mediterranean; western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Brazil; Indo-Pacific from South Africa to Japan, Australia, and New Zealand; and eastern Pacific off California and Chile.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size, depth requirements, and specialized care.
- Temperatura: 4-10°C (39-50°F)
- Livello di pH: 7.8-8.4
- Durezza: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibilità: Not applicable for home aquaria. In natural habitats, they form schools.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires extremely deep, cold, high-pressure environments, making it unsuitable for typical aquarium settings. Specialized research aquariums might house them under highly controlled conditions.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Available year-round, but fishing effort and catch rates can vary seasonally based on oceanographic conditions and spawning aggregations.
- Prezzo di mercato: High, particularly in Asian markets
- Importanza commerciale: high
- Sapore: Mild, sweet, and delicate
- Consistenza: Firm, flaky, and moist
- Metodi di cottura: Grilling, Baking, Steaming, Frying, Sashimi
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.
Fatti chiave
Deep-Sea Dwellerbehavior
Alfonsino are true denizens of the deep, thriving in cold, dark waters far below the sunlit zone.
Longevityinteresting
This species is known to be long-lived, with individuals estimated to reach ages of over 20 years, making them vulnerable to overfishing.
Commercial Importanceinteresting
Despite its deep-water habitat, Alfonsino is a highly prized food fish, particularly in Japan, where it is often used for sashimi.
Large Eyesevolution
Their exceptionally large eyes are an adaptation to the low light conditions of their deep-sea environment, allowing them to detect faint light sources.
Slow Growthbehavior
Alfonsino exhibit slow growth rates and late sexual maturity, characteristics common among deep-sea species, which makes their populations susceptible to depletion.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices. The dorsal and anal fin spines are robust but not venomous. Care should be taken to avoid punctures.
Specie simili
Splendid Alfonsino
Beryx splendens
Beryx splendens generally has a more elongated body, smaller eyes relative to its head size, and typically fewer anal fin rays (25-29 vs. 26-30 in B. decadactylus). The dorsal fin spines are also generally weaker in B. splendens.
Longfin Alfonsino
Beryx mollis
Beryx mollis is a much rarer species, distinguished by its exceptionally long pelvic fins that extend well past the anal fin origin, and a softer, less spiny appearance overall. It also has a deeper body than B. decadactylus.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Beryciformes
- Famiglia
- Berycidae
- Genere
- Beryx
- Specie
- Beryx decadactylus
Esplora Alfonsino
Identifica pesci ovunque
Gratis su iOS, Android e Web. Identificazione tramite foto, dettagli completi sulle specie e molto altro.