Zeiformes
Zeiformes, commonly known as dories, boarfish, and John Dory, are an order of marine ray-finned fishes. This diverse group encompasses over 120 species, spread across 16 families, and is characterized by a wide range of body shapes and sizes. They are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, inhabiting both coastal and deep-sea environments. These fish typically possess a laterally compressed body, large eyes, and a prominent dorsal fin. Some species, like the John Dory, are known for their distinctive, triangular body shape and their large, protruding mouths.
Characteristics
Zeiformes exhibit several key characteristics that distinguish them from other fish orders. These include:
- Laterally compressed body: Most dories have a flattened, oval-shaped body, with a prominent dorsal fin and a smaller, ventral fin.
- Large eyes: The eyes are positioned on the sides of the head, and they are often relatively large in comparison to the body size.
- Protruding mouth: The mouth is typically large and protrusible, with sharp, pointed teeth.
- Spiny dorsal fin: The first part of the dorsal fin is composed of sharp spines, followed by a soft-rayed section.
- Pectoral fins: The pectoral fins are positioned high on the body and are often quite large.
Environments
Zeiformes are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. Some species, like the John Dory, are typically found in the open ocean, while others, like the boarfish, inhabit rocky reefs or sandy bottoms.
- Temperate and tropical waters: Dories are widely distributed in both temperate and tropical waters around the world.
- Coastal and deep-sea habitats: Depending on the species, dories can be found in coastal waters, on continental shelves, or in the deep ocean.
- Benthic and pelagic lifestyles: Some dories live on the seafloor, while others are pelagic and swim in open waters.
References
For further information on Zeiformes, refer to the following reliable sources: