Family Zeidae, also known as dories or john dories, is a taxonomic family of marine fish that belongs to the order Zeiformes. This family consists of medium to large-sized species commonly found in both temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, particularly in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.
Members of the family Zeidae are characterized by their distinctive body shape, which is deep and compressed laterally. They have a high, prominent forehead and a single long dorsal fin that extends along their entire back. The dorsal fin is often adorned with numerous spines, giving it a spiky appearance. Additionally, these fish possess a sharp-edged head and a large, oblique mouth.
Typically, species within Family Zeidae inhabit rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, or seagrass beds, where they can be found at various depths ranging from shallow coastal waters to a few hundred meters deep. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a diet consisting of smaller fishes, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
In terms of their reproductive behavior, family Zeidae species lay demersal eggs that are usually attached to various substrates like seaweed or rocks. The larvae of these fish are known to undergo a lengthy pelagic phase before settling in their adult habitat.
Some notable members of the family Zeidae include the John Dory (Zeus faber), the Jubilee dory (Zenopsis conchifer), and the Cape dory (Zenopsis capensis). Due to their intriguing appearance and widespread distribution, species within Family Zeidae are of interest to both recreational and commercial fisheries.
