St. Peter’s Fish
John Dory are unmistakable due to their laterally compressed, disc-shaped bodies and large, spiny dorsal fins. Their colouring ranges from olive green to yellow bronze, with a distinctive dark spot on each side of the body. They typically grow to 30–50cm in length. The flesh is firm, white, and delicate, with a subtle, sweet flavour that makes it a favourite in fine dining.
John Dory are found in coastal and offshore waters across the northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean. They live near the seabed in depths of 5–300m and are often solitary. In Cornwall, they are landed as part of mixed demersal trawl fisheries, with occasional catches by line or gill net.
Sustainability Rating
Status: Stocks are not well documented, but John Dory is considered a bycatch species with low targeted fishing pressure.
Best Choice: Fish caught by Cornish vessels using gill nets or hook and line. These methods are selective and low-impact.
Avoid: Fish caught in poorly managed mixed trawl fisheries with high bycatch levels and limited stock monitoring.
Culinary Uses
John Dory is prized for its mild flavour and firm texture, which holds well during cooking.
It can be pan-fried, baked, roasted, or used in refined fish dishes and bouillabaisse.
Its large head makes it ideal for making flavourful fish stocks.
Commonly served filleted, though the yield is relatively low compared to its body size.
Best Fishing Practices
Best caught using gill nets or hook and line by Cornish day boats.
These methods minimise environmental impact and allow for targeted fishing.
Landings are mostly small-scale, with growing interest in improving data collection and traceability.
Seasonality
Available from spring through autumn, with peak landings during the warmer months when John Dory move into shallower waters.
Supporting Local, Sustainable Seafood
John Dory is a seasonal Cornish delicacy with excellent culinary value. While not abundant, it is a sustainable choice when caught by low-impact methods and helps support small-scale Cornish fisheries. Its unique appearance and delicate flavour make it a standout addition to any seafood-focused menu.
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