When is john dory in season

They also have large and wide extendable mouths. One of the most distinctive characteristics, along with the mouth and shape of the John Dory is the dark spot in the middle of their bodies that resembles a target. This is set back, and slightly higher than the pectoral fin, and is ringed by a narrow yellow halo.

The entire fish has an almost metallic-like sheen to it when seen out of the water. They are found in the warm waters around the North Island of New Zealand - most commonly north of the Bay of Plenty — and are caught all year-round.

John Dory are very poor swimmers and so rely heavily on their highly effective camouflage and stealth to stalk their prey. They eat a variety of small fish such as sardines, baitfish and occasionally small squid and cuttlefish.

Their camouflage and stealth compensates for their lack of speed — once they have snuck up on their prey they engulf it with their large extendable, protuberant mouths. Their effectiveness at camouflaging themselves also helps hide them from bigger predators such as sharks and other larger pelagic fish which prey on them. The large dark spot in the middle of their body is believed to aid in their defence against predators — by turning side on to the attacker — the large spot mimics an eye, which can scare off larger fish.

They are not normally found in schools and, being a solitary fish, are almost always encountered on their own. Skip to main content. Fin fish. Location They are solitary fish that have a range of habitats, from reefs to sand and mud bottoms. Attributes Physical Olive-brown to silver body with green-brown wavy stripes and a distinctive, dark blue spot ringed with white in the centre of each side.

Family John Dory belong to the Zeidae family dories. Spawning They spawn in summer. Fishing Methods They are caught year-round in coastal waters off northern New Zealand, often in mixed species trawl catches of Snapper and Tarakihi, and by Danish seiners.

Did You Know John Dory's thin profile front-on helps it sneak up on prey. Individual store hours may apply. Available wild caught, it is a bottom-dwelling marine fish found mainly on the continental shelf from estuaries to about m found in temperate waters from southern Queensland to WA, including Tasmania and caught by trawling and Danish seines mainly off the south-eastern coast of NSW and Victoria, with some off Tasmania, SA and WA as far north as Port Hedland.

Its skin is greenish to silver and the prominent dark spot on the side said to be the thumb print of St Peter the fisherman and long, wispy dorsal fin distinguishes it from all other dories. Skin appears smooth and scaleless, though it does have tiny, fine scales. Sold whole gilled and gutted and in fillet form usually skin on as the dark spot differentiates it from similar species. In whole fish look for lustrous skin, firm flesh, and a pleasant, fresh sea smell. In fillets, look for white, firm, lustrous, moist flesh without any brown markings or oozing water and with a pleasant fresh sea smell.

Make sure whole fish is gutted and cleaned thoroughly. The aroma of a John Dory is light with subtle hints of seaweed. The flesh is firm and smooth with a slight stickiness. John Dory have a robust, slightly milky flavour. They have a thin skin which is easy to consume. View Video. Share now or enquire. Back To Fish Glossary. By ticking the box below, you are confirming to subscribe to our newsletter.