Overview
Solitary predator with tall, compressed body. Hunts by slowly approaching prey thanks to its thin profile.
Identification
Protrusible mouthDark spot on the sidesDorsal fin with spinesVery compressed bodyYellowish colorationLarge eyesRows of small scales
- Body
- Tall, laterally compressed body with a large, extendable mouth.
- Colouration
- Grayish-yellow body with a large dark spot on the sides.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not noticeable
- Growth
- slow
Taxonomy
- Family
- Zeidae
- Order
- Zeiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Zeus capensisCyttus australisZenopsis conchiferZenopsis nebulosaCyttus traversi
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, open_sea, reefs
- Preferred bottom
- sand, mud, rock
- Geographic distribution
- Found in the Mediterranean, Eastern Atlantic, from Northern Europe to the African coasts.
- Micro-habitat
- Often found near the bottom in sandy or muddy areas where it can slowly approach prey.
Able to adapt to various types of seabeds, but prefers those rich in prey.
Presence by sea area
Tirreno NordPeak
Tirreno CentroPeak
Tirreno SudPeak
Adriatico NordPeak
Adriatico CentroPeak
Adriatico SudPeak
Ionio NordPeak
Ionio CentroPeak
Sardegna OvestPeak
Sardegna EstPeak
Sicilia TirrenoPeak
Sicilia Ionio CanalePeak
Eu Mediterraneo OvestPeak
Eu Mediterraneo EstPeak
Eu Golfo BiscagliaPeak
Eu ManicaPeak
Af Sudafrica AtlanticoPeak
Af Sudafrica IndianoPeak
Au Costa Est TemperataPeak
Au Costa SudPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- small fish, squid, shrimp
- Secondary prey
- crabs, crustaceans, octopuses
- Occasional prey
- jellyfish, annelids
- Feeding behaviour
- A solitary predator that approaches prey slowly, using its thin silhouette to remain unnoticed.
- Natural predators
- sharks, large pelagic fish, dolphins
Its sophisticated hunting techniques allow it to effectively prey on small fish and cephalopods.
Behaviour
- Activity
- crepuscular
- Social behaviour
- solitary
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- non-migratory
- Seasonal behaviour
- Activity may decrease during the colder months and vary based on food availability.
- Juveniles
- Younger fish tend to stay closer to the shore and in shallower waters.
- Adults
- Adults venture deeper and develop more sophisticated hunting techniques.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- May, June
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs, small in size with rapid development.
- Larval stage
- The larval stages are pelagic and develop rapidly.
- Sexual maturity
- varies between 3 and 5 years
When to catch John Dory
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Daymattino, pomeriggio
Night—
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
More active, hunts in shallower water.
Medium
Regular activity.
High
In deep water, less active.
Barometric trend
Rising
Moves deeper.
Stable
Hunts regularly at mid-water.
Falling
More active, rises towards surface.
Water temperature
13°COptimal zone: 17-26°C29°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
rocky coastal areassandy bottomsnear coral reefsedges of continental shelves
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
gillnettinglongliningtrawlingtrolling
Other applicable
BolentinoPesca A FondoBolentino LeggeroBolentino MedioLive BaitingRock FishingSpinningSpinning MedioSpinning Pesante
Recommended baits
live minnowsshrimpsquidartificial paste
Baits by pressure
Low
Jig head + softbaitPaddle tail softbaitShrimp artificiale (gomma)Metal jig leggero (20-40g)Slow pitch jigSoftbait piccolo / LRF
Medium
Gambero morto / GamberoGambero vivoPesciolino vivoStriscia di calamaroTrancio di sardinaAcciuga vivaEsca viva (generica)
High
Arenicola
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Performs quick bursts and attempts to escape towards the bottom.
- Handling
- Handle with care to avoid damaging the delicate skin.
- Release
- Ensure the fish is in good condition and gently submerge it.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The John Dory can reach a maximum length of about 70 cm and a weight of 8 kg. It is known as a sought-after catch in Italian waters, where specimens over 5 kg are considered trophies.
- In the kitchen
- Valued for the quality of its meat, often used in soups and baked dishes.
- Cultural notes
- Often associated with legends due to the dark spot on its body which is said to be the fingerprint of Saint Peter.
- Historical notes
- Known since ancient times and present in numerous maritime tales and legends.
