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Zeus faber, commonly known as the John Dory or St. Peter's Fish, is a distinctive marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Zeidae. It is characterized by its highly compressed, oval-shaped body, large head, and prominent dorsal spines. A notable feature is the dark, circular spot on each flank, often referred to as 'St. Peter's mark'. This species is a solitary, ambush predator, highly valued in commercial fisheries for its delicate flesh.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- compressed
- Colorazione
- Olive-yellow to brownish-yellow, often with iridescent reflections. The most striking feature is the large, dark, ocellated spot (often with a pale rim) on each flank. The fins are often tinged with yellow or brown.
- Tipo di squame
- cycloid
- Posizione della bocca
- superior
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Highly compressed, deep, oval body, Large head with a protractile mouth, Long, filamentous spines on the dorsal fin, Large, dark, ocellated spot on each flank, Bony scutes along the base of the dorsal and anal fins
- Pinna dorsale
- Two dorsal fins; the first with 9-11 very long, strong, and sharp spines connected by a membrane, often with filamentous extensions; the second with 22-25 soft rays. The spines can be erected for defense.
- Pinna caudale
- Caudal fin is rounded to slightly emarginate, with 13-14 soft rays.
- Pinna pettorale
- Pectoral fins are relatively small and rounded, with 13-14 rays.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are large and located anterior to the pectoral fins, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Anal fin has 4 spines and 20-23 soft rays, similar in shape to the second dorsal fin.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Body Shape
Look for the extremely compressed, deep, and oval body, almost disc-like when viewed head-on.
Flank Spot
The most definitive feature is the prominent, dark, circular spot (often with a pale or yellowish rim) on each side of the body, just below the lateral line. This spot is said to be the thumbprint of St. Peter.
Dorsal Spines
Observe the very long, filamentous, and sharp spines of the first dorsal fin, which can be erected.
Mouth
Note the large, highly protractile mouth, which can extend forward to engulf prey.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found at depths ranging from 5 to 400 meters (16 to 1,312 feet), but most commonly between 50 and 150 meters (164 to 492 feet).
- Ambiente
- Demersal, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms, often near rocky reefs or seagrass beds. Prefers temperate and subtropical waters.
- Areale geografico
- Widely distributed in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean from Norway to South Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Also found in the Indo-Pacific, from Japan to Australia and New Zealand.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: aggressive
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 500 gallons (approx. 1890 liters) for a single adult
- Temperatura: 10-18°C (50-64°F)
- Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
- Durezza: 1.020-1.025 SG
- Compatibilità: Not suitable for community tanks due to its predatory nature. Can be kept with very large, robust fish that it cannot swallow, but generally best kept alone or with conspecifics in very large, specialized exhibits.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a very large, deep tank with excellent filtration and strong water movement. Live food (e.g., small fish, shrimp) is essential. Sensitive to water quality fluctuations. Not typically kept by hobbyists due to size, specialized diet, and predatory behavior.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Available year-round in some regions, but peak seasons for fishing can vary by location, often more abundant in cooler months.
- Prezzo di mercato: High, often considered a premium fish in seafood markets.
- Importanza commerciale: high
- Sapore: Mild, delicate, slightly sweet
- Consistenza: Firm, flaky, white flesh
- Metodi di cottura: Pan-frying, Baking, Grilling, Poaching, Steaming
- Valore nutrizionale: Excellent source of lean protein, low in fat, contains Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B6 and B12, phosphorus, and selenium.
Fatti chiave
St. Peter's Markinteresting
The distinctive dark spot on the flank of the John Dory is traditionally believed to be the thumbprint of St. Peter, left when he caught the fish and removed a coin from its mouth, hence its common name 'St. Peter's Fish'.
Ambush Predatorbehavior
Zeus faber is a master of camouflage and ambush predation. It uses its highly compressed body to approach prey head-on, making itself almost invisible. When close, its large, protractile mouth rapidly extends to engulf the unsuspecting prey.
Unique Swimming Stylebehavior
The John Dory often swims by undulating its dorsal and anal fins, giving it a somewhat ethereal and slow movement, which further aids in its stealthy approach to prey.
Culinary Delicacyinteresting
Despite its somewhat unusual appearance, the John Dory is highly prized in haute cuisine for its delicate, firm, and flavorful white flesh, making it a sought-after fish in many parts of the world.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Maneggiare con cura- Livello di sicurezza: caution
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: While not venomous, the John Dory possesses very sharp and strong spines on its dorsal and anal fins. Care should be taken when handling to avoid painful punctures. The operculum (gill cover) also has a sharp spine. Use gloves and handle with caution, especially when de-hooking or cleaning.
Specie simili
Mirror Dory
Zenopsis conchifera
The Mirror Dory has a more silvery coloration, lacks the prominent dark spot on the flank, and its dorsal spines are generally shorter and less filamentous than those of Zeus faber. It also has a more pronounced bony ridge along the belly.
Silver Dory
Cyttus australis
Silver Dories are generally smaller, have a more uniformly silvery body, and lack the distinctive dark flank spot. Their body shape is also typically less extremely compressed than Zeus faber.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Zeiformes
- Famiglia
- Zeidae
- Genere
- Zeus
- Specie
- Zeus faber
Esplora John Dory
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