Alfonsino
Name Scientific: Beryx splendens
Availability: Year-round
Attributes Weight: 1-1.5kg up to 2.5kg
Attributes Length: 30-50cm
Description
Alfonsino belong to the Berycidae family (alfonsinos). They are red fish that inhabit deep offshore reefs. They are found around the North Island and the northern part of the South Island over rough ground or near reefs at depths between 200 and 800 metres. During the day, they appear to school near the seabed, dispersing upwards to feed on plankton at dusk. They are caught year-round by mid-water trawling off the east coast of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. Alfonsino have white flesh and a firm texture with a high oil content which suits most cooking methods.
Attributes Physical
White flesh, firm texture with a high oil content. Suits most cooking methods. Brilliant red upper body with sides a lighter shade of red tinged with silver. The fins and tail are also brilliant red. Alfonsino have a fairly slender body, large eyes, and a deeply forked tail.
Sustainability
Alfonsino, a Quota Management species, are caught year-round by mid-water trawling off the east coast of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands.
