John Dory

Depth: 90 m · Sunlight Zone

The John Dory is as thin as a leaf from the front and so is hard to see. That way it sneaks up on prey and then shoots its huge mouth forward like a telescope. On each side it carries a dark spot like a thumbprint.

For scientists

The John Dory (Zeus faber) is extremely flattened from side to side and so presents prey a minimal silhouette. It stalks slowly and then thrusts a highly protrusible mouth over its victim. The dark eyespot on each flank may confuse or distract predators.

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