The John Dory (Zeus faber) is a distinctive teleost fish, recognized globally for its unusual appearance and high status as a culinary delicacy. This marine species is found in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific waters. The origin of its common name is not a simple scientific matter but a source of historical and etymological curiosity. The peculiar combination of “John” and “Dory” has fueled persistent legends and alternative theories attempting to explain this memorable moniker.
Physical Characteristics Central to the Myth
The John Dory is immediately recognizable by its highly compressed body, which appears nearly two-dimensional when viewed head-on. This flattened, oval shape allows the fish to approach prey with stealth, and its back is lined with approximately ten long, sharp spines on the dorsal fin. The most striking feature is a prominent, dark, circular spot situated centrally on each flank, often encircled by a pale gold or yellow band. This spot contrasts sharply with the fish’s olive-yellow to silver-white coloration. Biologically, this dark marking acts as a false eyespot to confuse both predators and prey, tricking attackers into aiming for the fish’s midsection rather than its head.
The Legendary Origin of the Name
The most famous explanation for the fish’s name is rooted deeply in religious folklore, connecting the dark spots directly to the touch of St. Peter. This narrative is so widespread that the John Dory is often known as “St. Peter’s Fish,” or St. Pierre in France. The legend states that St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, caught a John Dory to retrieve a gold coin from its mouth to pay a temple tax. As the apostle held the slippery fish, his thumb and forefinger pressed into its sides, leaving indelible marks. The dark, permanent spots on the John Dory’s flanks are said to be these thumbprints, left before he released the fish back into the sea.
Alternative Linguistic Theories
Beyond the popular religious myth, several historical and linguistic theories suggest a more prosaic origin for the name “John Dory.” One prominent theory proposes the name is a corruption of the French phrase jaune doré, which translates to “golden yellow,” referring to the fish’s characteristic coloration. Another theory suggests the name derived from the French word dorée, meaning “gilded” or “golden,” which was a common early name. The addition of “John” may have occurred later as a generic English nickname, much like “Jack” or “Tom.” A historically cited theory links the name to the Italian word Janitore, meaning “gatekeeper,” an allusion to St. Peter. Finally, a less common theory suggests the name came from an old 17th-century English ballad about a French sea captain named John Dory.