By Dory fish (Zeus Faber) are a benthopelagic coastal fish, found throughout the tropical and temperate latitudes of the world oceans (except the Eastern pacific and Western Atlantic). It is a mostly solitary fish that joins a group mainly to reproduce. Divers will find this fish off the coast of Costambar and other coastal areas in the DR.
Morphology
Dory fish are medium sized, reaching a length of approx. 2 ft (65cm) weighing a few pounds (up to 5kg /12 lbs). It has 10 long spines on its dorsal fin and 4 spines on its anal fin. Its microscopic scales cover its entire body.
The John Dory reaches adulthood in 4 years. Its color varies with age, from dark brown as juvenile, to silvery and golden as adult. The male lives up to 15 years, and the female a few more years.
The large eyes at the front of the head provide it with the binocular vision and depth perception it needs to catch prey. It has a large dark spot on both sides which it uses to flash an “evil eye” if danger approaches. This eye spot also confuses prey, which can then be sucked into its mouth.
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Feeding & Breeding
John Dory spawns by substrate scattering, e.g. where females scatter their eggs on the seafloor, and males release their sperm in the same location to fertilize them externally. This species do not create nests or provide any care to the eggs. Once the eggs hatch the larvae will swim up into the water column to live a planktonic lifestyle.
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John Dory Range
This species is found throughout the tropical and temperate latitudes of the world oceans (except the Eastern pacific and Western Atlantic). Benthopelagic fish inhabit the water just above the bottom, feeding on benthos and zooplankton.
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