Fish
John Dory
Zeus faber
(IV) North Sea
Zone de pêche
Wild
Origine
37 cm
Taille minimale
Description
Its body is very tall and strongly compressed laterally (almost flat like a plate). It has a large circular black spot (ocelle), surrounded by a light-colored ring, located in the middle of each flank. Legend has it that this is the imprint of the Apostle Peter’s thumb. The dorsal fin has very long spiny rays ending in filaments. There are also small spines at the base of the dorsal and anal fins. The mouth is very large, oblique, and protractile (it extends forward to suck in its prey). Its color is variable, ranging from gray-green to golden yellow, with silvery highlights and often dark longitudinal markings. It generally measures between 30 and 40 cm, but can reach 60 to 90 cm with a maximum weight of 8 kg. A strict carnivore, it hunts by lying in wait.
Habitat
A demersal marine species (living near the seafloor) but can also swim in midwater. It is found at depths of 5 to 400 meters, but is most common between 50 and 150 meters. It inhabits sandy, muddy, or rocky bottoms, as well as seagrass beds.
Distribution
The John Dory is found almost worldwide (with the exception of the Americas). From Norway to the Gulf of Guinea and as far south as South Africa. Found around Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. Very common in the Mediterranean and found in the Black Sea. It is also found in Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also found in Mozambique, Madagascar, and certain coastal areas of East Africa.