Splendid alfonsino
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit the outer shelf (180 m) and slope to at least 1,300 m depth, probably moving further from the bottom at night; often found over seamounts and underwater ridges . Are considered as one of the straddling stocks in the northwest Pacific . They feed mainly on fish, crustaceans and cephalopods . Oviparous, spawn in batches . Juveniles , eggs and larvae are pelagic . Marketed frozen and eaten steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved and baked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 16; Anal spines: 4; Anal soft rays: 26 - 30. First infraorbital bone with a spine projecting laterally on anterior end. Lateral line extends to caudal fin. A fleshy disk on inner face of exposed area of scale. In young fishes, the 2nd dorsal ray is elongate . Ref. 27363 notes pectoral fins with one spine and 17 soft rays .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Splendid alfonsino is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Spawning occurs about 10 to 12 times at intervals of about 4 days during the breeding season .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; oceanodromous ; depth range 25 - 1300 m , usually 400 - 600 m . Subtropical; 45°N - 43°S, 180°W - 180°E northeast Pacific and Mediterranean Sea (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
fish, crustaceans and cephalopods (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Splendid 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 | 17.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 472 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Splendid alfonsino has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryx splendens | Lowe | 1834 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 394 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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