Fish species in Japan

John Dory

マトウダイ · matoudai
Zeus faber

John Dory has a very flat body, a round dark flank spot and a protrusible mouth. It sometimes takes live bait intended for flounder.

Habitat and season

Coastal shelf bottoms and reef margins.

Recorded fishing season: Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Scientific name: Zeus faber
Japanese name: マトウダイ

Months are a broad guide, not a current catch forecast. Region, water temperature and local closures can change the season.

A live baitfish swims on the rig to attract larger predators. The bait must remain lively and the rig must suit the water depth and local rules.

Detailed recipes for this species are currently in Japanese. Open the Japanese cooking guide →

Detailed Japanese species notes

強く平たい体の中央に黒い的のような斑点がある魚。口が大きく前へ伸び、小魚を吸い込むように捕らえます。外見に反して白身はフライやムニエルに向きます。

長い背びれと体縁の硬い棘に注意。針外しはプライヤーを使い、魚を膝に載せて押さえないでください。