Splendid alfonsino

Taxobox
name = Splendid alfonsino


regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Beryciformes
familia = Berycidae
genus = "Beryx"
species = "B. splendens"
binomial = "Beryx splendens"
binomial_authority = Lowe, 1834

The splendid alfonsino, "Beryx splendens", is an alfonsino of the genus "Beryx", found around the world at depths of between 25 and 1,300 m. Their length is between 30 and 70 cm. The splendid alfonsino is a deepwater relative of the eastern nannygai, having a smoother body and lacking the scale and head spines.

The colour is a brilliant scarlet back, red flanks with a strong tinge of silver, and bright red fins.

Splendid alfonsino usually swim in large schools in waters associated with rocky outcrops, where they feed on planktonic animals with their fine-toothed jaws.

They are excellent eating.

References

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* Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, "Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand", (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8