John Dory
(Zeus faber)

John Dory, St Pierre or Peter’s fish, refers to fish of the genus Zeus, especially Zeus faber, of widespread distribution. It is an edible demersal coastal marine fish with a laterally compressed olive-yellow body which has a large dark spot, and long spines on the dorsal fin. The dark spot is used to flash an evil eye if danger approaches. Its large eyes at the front of the head provide it with binocular vision and depth perception, which is important for predators. The John Dory’s eye spot on the side of its body also confuses prey, which are scooped up in its big mouth.

In New Zealand, Māori knows it as kuparu, and on the East Coast of the North Island, they gave some to Captain James Cook on his first voyage to New Zealand in 1769. Several casks of them were pickled.