Beryciformes

The Beryciformes are an order of marine fish that primarily inhabit deep-sea environments across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. This order includes families such as Berycidae, which contains the alfonsino, and Holocentridae, known for squirrelfish and soldierfish found around coral reefs.12

Beryciforms are generally characterized by their red coloration and large eyes, often being nocturnal feeders. Anatomically, they are considered among the more primitive teleost fishes, exhibiting features like two supramaxillary bones in the upper jaw and a tail fin with 19 principal rays. Some deep-sea species show adaptations like reduced fin spines and thinner scales due to their environment.23