Dwarf Dory, Zenion sp.

Scientific name: Zenion sp.
Alternative name/s:
Fishes in the family Zeniontidae have been called Armoreye Dories, Bighead Dories, Capro Dories, Elongate Dories and Rough-head Dories.
Dwarf Dory, Zenion sp Click to enlarge image
A Dwarf Dory trawled during the NORFANZ expedition at a depth between 690m and 812m near Norfolk Island, May 2003. Image: Kerryn Parkinson
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Zenion
    Species
    sp.
    Family
    Zeniontidae
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Number of Species
    One described species, <em>Zenion japonicum</em>, and several undescribed species are currently known from Australian waters.
  • Size Range
    Most species in the family Zeniontidae grow to no more than 10 cm in length.

Introduction

The Dwarf Dory is an undescribed species. This page gives an overview of the Dwarf Dories.

Identification

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.

Habitat

Dwarf Dories are benthic fishes that occur in continental slope waters at depths from 150 m to well over 1000 m.

Distribution

Dwarf Dories occur in the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. 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.
  2. 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.