The Short Alfosino, scientifically known as Centroberyx spinosus, is a species of fish belonging to the Berycidae family. This species is distinguished by its relatively small size, with a maximum recorded length of 20.0 cm.
Description & Characteristics
The Short Alfosino is a slender fish with a deep, compressed body. Its body is covered in scales, and its head is relatively large with a prominent snout. The fish possesses a single dorsal fin, which is continuous and extends from the head to the tail. It also has a prominent anal fin, which is located behind the dorsal fin. The Short Alfosino exhibits a distinctive color pattern, displaying a silvery-grey hue on its body with darker streaks along its flanks.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Short Alfosino is a marine fish, typically found in the deeper waters of the ocean. This species is known to inhabit the bathyal zone, a marine zone characterized by depths ranging from 200 to 3,000 meters. Its presence is widespread in the waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, specifically around the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands.
Taxonomy
The Centroberyx spinosus species belongs to the Berycidae family, part of the order Beryciformes, which encompasses a diverse group of ray-finned fishes. The Short Alfosino, along with its relatives, falls under the class Teleostei, a broad group of bony fishes characterized by their advanced features, which includes the vast majority of fish species.
Feeding
The Short Alfosino is a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on invertebrates and zooplankton. It plays a significant role in its marine ecosystem by contributing to the intricate balance of the food chain.
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