Fin's Fish Guide
The Silvery John Dory (Zenopsis conchifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Zeidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Atlantic Ocean on both sides, over the deeper continental shelf and slope, also around the Macaronesian islands.
Description
The silvery John Dory is a deep, strongly compressed fish of the family Zeidae (dories) reaching about 80 cm. The shiny silvery body is almost disc-shaped and has a far-protrusible, tube-shaped mouth; the first dorsal fin bears long, thread-like spines. Unlike the common John Dory it lacks the black 'devil's spot' on the flank. The species lives above the deeper continental shelf and slope of the Atlantic on both sides, also around the Macaronesian islands. As a slow, solitary hunter it approaches prey slowly and sucks in small fish in a flash with its protrusible mouth. With its fine flesh it is a valued, if lesser-known, food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Silvery John Dory?
The Silvery John Dory has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep-bodied, strongly laterally flattened silver dory with a greatly protrusible mouth; the first dorsal fin bears long, filamentous spines.
Where does the Silvery John Dory live?
The Silvery John Dory lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Atlantic Ocean on both sides, over the deeper continental shelf and slope, also around the Macaronesian islands.
How big does the Silvery John Dory get?
The Silvery John Dory grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Silvery John Dory dangerous to humans?
No, the Silvery John Dory is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Silvery John Dory edible?
Yes, the Silvery John Dory is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Silvery John Dory and live in the same waters.
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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 Silvery John Dory?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silvery John Dory is one of 12,519 species in the app.