Fin's Fish Guide
The Mirror dory (Zenopsis nebulosa) is a saltwater fish of the family Zeidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Indian and western Pacific Ocean, in deep coastal water and over the continental shelf.
Description
The mirror dory is a deep, strongly compressed fish of the family Zeidae (dories) reaching about 70 cm. The mirror-silver, almost round body is so thin that it is barely visible head-on; rows of bony spiny plates run along the belly and back. The large mouth can be shot far forward in an instant to suck in prey. As a slow, stalking hunter it approaches fish, squid and crustaceans and seizes them with a sudden gulp. The species lives in deep coastal water and over the continental shelf of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. It is caught as bycatch of bottom-trawl fisheries and, with its white, firm flesh, is a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mirror dory?
The Mirror dory has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Deep-bodied, strongly laterally flattened, mirror-silver fish with a greatly protrusible mouth and bony spiny plates along the belly and back.
Where does the Mirror dory live?
The Mirror dory lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Indian and western Pacific Ocean, in deep coastal water and over the continental shelf.
How big does the Mirror dory get?
The Mirror dory grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.
Is the Mirror dory dangerous to humans?
No, the Mirror dory is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mirror dory edible?
Yes, the Mirror dory is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Zenopsis
More from the family Zeidae
Want the complete picture on the Mirror dory?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mirror dory is one of 12,519 species in the app.