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Dwarf Dory
Zenion sp
A Dwarf Dory trawled during the NORFANZ expedition at a depth between 690 m and 812 m near Norfolk Island, May 2003. Photo: K. Parkinson © NORFANZ. View larger image.
The Dwarf Dories have very large eyes and a protrusible mouth. They have pelvic fins with a strong spine (serrated in Zenion) and six or seven rays. There is a spiny ridge at the base of both the dorsal and anal fins.
Most species in the family Zeniontidae grow to no more than 10 cm in length.
Dwarf Dories are benthic fishes that occur in continental slope waters in the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans at depths from 150 m to well over 1000 m.
One described species, Z. japonicum, and several undescribed species are currently known from Australian waters.
Fishes in the family Zeniontidae have also been called Armoreye Dories, Bighead Dories, Capro Dories, Elongate Dories and Rough-head Dories.
Further Reading
- Heemstra, P.C. 1999. Macrurocyttidae. in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem (Eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 4. Bony fishes part 2 (Mugilidae to Carangidae). FAO. Rome Pp. iii-v, 2069-2790.
- Paxton, J.R., D.F. Hoese, G.R. Allen & J.E. Hanley. 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia Vol.7 Pisces Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Survey. Pp. i-xii, 1-665.
