John Dory
Zeus Faber
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Quick Facts
Distribution
Interesting Info
- John Dory are generally thought to be solitary or in small groups, schooling during spawning season. They widespread throughout Australian coastal and offshore waters.
- They are commonly know as Saint Peter’s Fish or St Pierre, referring the biblical story where this species of fish is brought to Jesus by Peter.
- John Dory are carnivores predators, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, squid & cuttlefish. They capture prey by extending their mouth open like a tube and sucking them in.
- Estimated lifespan is around 12 years with the fish maturing between 3 & 4 years of age.
- The main predators of Dory include sharks, larger predatory fish & marine mammals.
Species Interaction
Commercial & Recreational Fishing
John Dory are a popular sports fish known for their great taste. They are mostly caught from boats as they are a deeper water fish. As John Dory are a solitary fish they are not targeted commercially although they are a important bycatch species for commercial fisheries.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Zeiformes
Family: Zeidae
Genus: Zeus
Species: Zeus faber
Conservation Status
Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)John Dory are categorised as “Data Deficient” as there is not enough information on the species for proper assessment.
However, as its a fast growing species there are limited concerns of over fishing.
Fish Taste Quality
John Dory are a great table fish. Often served whole or in fillets.
Taste Rating: 4/5
How to catch
John Dory
Tackle: Patternoster Rig, Running Sinker Rig
Bait: Anchovy, Fresh cut flesh baits, Lures, Pilchards, Prawns, Squid
Technique: Keep bait close to the reef/structure, Cast lures close to structure
Popularity: Highly Targeted
