Fin's Fish Guide
The John dory (Zeus faber) is a brackish-water fish of the family Zeidae that grows up to 90 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to South Africa, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea; also in the Indo-Pacific region.
Description
The John Dory is a strongly compressed fish of the family Zeidae reaching about 90 cm. The deep, olive-yellow body bears a conspicuous dark eyespot ringed in pale on each flank, popularly called 'St Peter's thumbprint'. The dorsal fin has long, thread-like spiny rays. Its hallmark is a large mouth that the fish can shoot forward at great speed to suck in prey. The John Dory is a slow, solitary hunter living close to the bottom in the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, between 50 and 150 m. It hunts schooling fish, occasionally squid and crustaceans, and is a highly prized food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the John dory?
The John dory has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Strongly laterally compressed fish with a large, highly protrusible mouth and a striking dark eyespot with a pale ring on each flank; long spiny rays on the dorsal fin.
Where does the John dory live?
The John dory lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to South Africa, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea; also in the Indo-Pacific region.
How big does the John dory get?
The John dory grows to a maximum of about 90 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the John dory dangerous to humans?
No, the John dory is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the John dory edible?
Yes, the John dory is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the John dory and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Zeus
More from the family Zeidae
Want the complete picture on the John dory?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the John dory is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone