Alfonsino
📖 Overview
Found in ca. 500 m on mud or sandy mud bottom . Occurs on the continental slope; adults demersal, young pelagic . Feeds on crustaceans, small fishes and cephalopods . A 35 cm SL specimen was found in the stomach of Latimeria . Young have heavy spines on the head .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 20; Anal spines: 4; Anal soft rays: 25 - 30. Body deep, compressed and has a large eye. Top of head, iris, back and all fins bright blood red. Orbital bones, cheeks and opercular bones shiny white. Breast shiny yellowish white. Body silvery with thin lengthwise lines .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Alfonsino is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Alfonsino is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 110 - 1300 m , usually 200 - 800 m . Deep-water; 70°N - 48°S, 180°W - 180°E South Africa, including western Mediterranean.
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans, small fishes and cephalopods (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Alfonsino is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 382 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Alfonsino has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actinoberyx jugeati | Roule | 1923 | Synonym |
| Actinoberyx longipinnis | Barnard | 1925 | Synonym |
| Actinoberyx pozzi | Nani | 1958 | Synonym |
| Beryx borealis | Düben & Koren | 1846 | Synonym |
| Beryx delphini | Valenciennes | 1833 | Synonym |
| Beryx dodecadactylus | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Beryx longipinnis | Barnard | 1925 | Synonym |
| Urocentrus ruber | Düben | — | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 115 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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