John Dory

The John Dory belongs to the family Zeidae. These benthopelagic fish live on the coast of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. They can be seen in depths ranging from 5 m. to 360 m. This species of fish reaches a max length of 2 ft. and weighs just a little over 10 lbs. As small as they may be, those big eyes give them binocular like vision. John Dory’s have a unique appearance. They have a thin oval shaped body that is slightly flattened, with distinct ridges. Their color is yellow to olive-green (depending on the individual). The large black spot seen on both sides, is called it’s “evil eye”. What’s extremely unique about them is how their fins and the spines on their body are arranged. They have a long pelvic fin that follows by those very distinctive filament-like spines. There are 10 long dorsal spines and a row of long spines on its belly. The anal fin extends and has tiny spines at the end (this exact pattern is mimicked at the base of the dorsal fin). Not only that, but they have microscopic sharp scales that run around the entire body. I know you’re wondering why that spot is call the “evil eye”. They will flash an evil eye at predators coming towards them, distracting them, giving the John Dory an opportunity to escape.

Watch out for the spines. They may not be poisonous, but it will still poke you.

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