Mirror Dory

Zenopsis Nebulosa
Mirror Dory - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Zenopsis Nebulosa
Other names Deepsea Dory, Deepwater Dory, Mirror Perch, Silver Dory, Trawl Dory
Size Up to 70cm (27.5 in)
Weight Up to 3 kg (6.6 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Deepsea, close to the sea bed in deeper coastal & continental shelf waters
Depth Range
Mirror Dory Distribution

Interesting Info

  • Mirror Dory are generally thought to be solitary or in small groups, schooling during spawning season. They can be found in most Australian coastal and offshore waters.
  • They are slightly smaller version of their cousin the John Dory.
  • Mirror Dory are carnivores, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans & molluscs.
  • Estimated lifespan is around 12 years with the fish maturing at 5 years of age.
  • The main predators of Dory include sharks, larger predatory fish & marine mammals.
Species Interaction

Commercial & Recreational Fishing

Mirror Dory are a popular sports fish known for their great taste. They are mostly caught from boats as they are a deeper water fish. Mirror Dory are a commercially target fish during the winter when they spawn as they are a excellent eating fish.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Zeiformes

Family: Zeidae

Genus: Zenopsis

Species: Zenopsis nebulosa

Conservation Status

Mirror Dory have not been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
However, as its a fast growing species there are limited concerns of over fishing.

Fish Taste Quality

Mirror Dory are a great table fish. Often served whole or in fillets.

Taste Rating: 4/5

How to catch
Mirror Dory

Catch Difficulty: Intermediate

Tackle: Patternoster Rig

Bait: Fresh cut flesh baits, Herring, Lures, Pilchards, Squid, Live minnow

Technique: Keep bait close to the reef/structure

Popularity: Popular