John dory

D-Heringskönig, Petersfisch; GB-John dory; DK-Sankt Petersfisk; PL-Piotrosz, paszczak; EST-Harilik peetrikala; RU-Обыкновенный солнечник; FIN-Pietarinkala; S-Sanktpersfisk

Characters

1) Big dark spot surrounded with lighter outer ring on body side.
2) Filament like elongation of anterior dorsal fin membranes.
3) Pointed bony hooks along origin of anal and dorsal fin.
●) Very big mouth.
●) Body laterally very compressed.
Often 30 to 40 cm, max. up to 90 cm length.

Similar species

- Unmistakable

Biology

Lives solitary or in smaller groups in the open waters, often in 50 to 150 m, max. 400 m depth. Regarded as a good and enduring swimmer.

Diet

Feeds on smaller swarm fish and crustaceans and molluscs, which are sucked in his protruding mouth.

Importance

Commercially important as popular and expensive food fish.

Endangerment

Uncertain.