THE JOHN DORY FAMILY. 175 



Hemispheres. Taking a cursory glance at them, the most 

 striking features are, the high, narrow body and the very 

 grotesque-looking face. The latter is particularly pronounced 

 in the typical "Jh n Dories" of the genus Zeus, in which 

 also will be at once noticed, the large spot in the centre, on 

 each side of the body of which more anon. 



According to Boulenger, 12 species of this family are 

 known from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 



The common European species of John Dory (Zeus 

 fabcr} is so well-known in literature being a familiar 

 object even in children's books that little description of it 

 is necessary; and those who are familiar with the appear- 

 ance of that fish, could at once knowing the locality- 

 identify the very closely allied Australian John Dory 

 (Zeus australis).* This fish, which is common in fairly- 

 deep water off the coasts of New South Wales, Victoria and 

 Tasmania, usually attains a length of about 18 inches. It 

 is an excellent fish for table purposes, though seldom brought 

 in to the markets at least in New South Wales there 

 being no special fishery in existence for this fine fish. In 

 the special capture of this species, the "trawling-net" would 

 be a necessary adjunct. 



A series of bony plates, runs along the bases of both 

 the dorsal and anal fins ; there being another series along 

 the abdomen. 



In regard to the large dark spot on each side, before 

 referred to, much has been written. "The fishermen of 

 Roman Catholic countries hold this fish in special respect, 

 as they recognise in a black round spot on its side, the mark 

 left by the thumb of St. Peter when he took the piece of 

 money from its mouth." (Giinther.) 



"The Dory, or Doree, contends with the Haddock, for 

 the honour of bearing the marks of St. Peter's fingers, each 

 being supposed to have been the fish out of whose mouth 

 the Apostle took the tribute money ; leaving on its sides, in 

 proof of the identity, the marks of his finger and thumb. 



* Some are inclined to believe that the Australian John Dory is 

 merely a " local variety " of the European form (Zens faber}. I have not 

 yet had an opportunity of comparing the two. 



