Come identificare John Dory

Per identificare John Dory (Zeus faber), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

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

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the extremely compressed, deep, and oval body, almost disc-like when viewed head-on.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Dorsal Spines

   Observe the very long, filamentous, and sharp spines of the first dorsal fin, which can be erected.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Note the large, highly protractile mouth, which can extend forward to engulf prey.

Esplora John Dory