John Dory
John Dory
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Location
They are solitary fish that have a range of habitats, from reefs to sand and mud bottoms. John Dory are found in the warm waters around the North Island of New Zealand, most commonly north of the Bay of Plenty.
Attributes
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. John Dory have an almost oval-shaped, slender body surrounded by strong spines, a huge mouth, and no scales. They have a high dorsal fin with extended rays.
Family
John Dory belong to the Zeidae family (dories).
Spawning
They spawn in summer. Juveniles have similar colour and form to adults. They grow rapidly, reaching maturity in three to four years and probably live for seven to nine years. Females are usually larger than the males.
Sustainability
John Dory are widespread, being found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and around New Zealand, Australia and Japan. They are common in the inshore coastal waters of northern New Zealand, and to a lesser extent in Tasman Bay. Recent analysis suggests five biological stocks in New Zealand waters. John Dory abundance is monitored using commercial catch rates and, in some areas, trawl surveys. Cyclical patterns in abundance are evident in some areas. Catch rates in the north east fishery are currently below the long term average, whereas in the Bay of Plenty and west coast North Island fisheries catch rates in recent decades have fluctuated without trend around the long term average. The southern fisheries have seen more pronounced cycles in abundance. The south east North Island fishery currently has below average catch rates, while the northern South Island fishery is above the long term average.
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.
Nutrition
To quality for a 'good source' claim the food must contain at least 25% of the RDI.
The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) is considered to be the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97–98 per cent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
Selenium is necessary for normal immune system function and for the production of thyroid hormones and it contributes to the maintenance of hair and nails
Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal neurological function and it contributes to blood formation, energy metabolism and to the growth and development in children
To quality for a 'source' claim the food must contain at least 10% of the RDI.
The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) is considered to be the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97–98 per cent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
Niacin (vitamin B3) is necessary for the release of energy from food and for the normal structure and function of skin and mucous membranes, and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, for normal neurological function and for normal energy metabolism, and it contributes to the growth and development in children
Phosphorus is necessary for normal teeth, bone and cell membrane structure and for energy metabolism
Potassium is necessary for water and electrolyte balance, it contributes to the functioning of the nervous system and normal muscle function; and to the normal growth and development of children
Niacin (vitamin B3) is necessary for the release of energy from food and for the normal structure and function of skin and mucous membranes, and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein
Protein is necessary for tissue building and repair, normal growth and development of bone in children and adolescents aged 4 years and over, and contributes to growth and maintenance of muscle mass
Omega 3 is a group of fatty acids that contribute to heart health
Tips
John Dory flesh is white when cooked, with medium flakes. Fillets can be boned easily in this medium to firm textured fish. Bake; fry; marinate; poach; sushi/raw.
Buying & Storage Tips
John Dory is often available whole, but fillets and frozen John Dory are also in the market. When buying whole John Dory, always check the...
EYES: Bright and clear cornea, shiny black pupil
GILLS: Rosy pink pastel coloured gills
SKIN: Bright, with a luminous sheen
When buying John Dory fillets, always check the...
FLESH: semi-transparent and glossy
If the fish looks sticky or mushy then it is not fresh.
