Animal Species:Dwarf Dory, Zenion sp.

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

Dwarf Dory, Zenion sp, trawled during the NORFANZ expedition

Dwarf Dory, Zenion sp, trawled during the NORFANZ expedition
Kerryn Parkinson © Australian Museum

Alternative Name/s

Fishes in the family Zeniontidae have been called Armoreye Dories, Bighead Dories, Capro Dories, Elongate Dories and Rough-head Dories.

Number of species

One described species, Zenion japonicum, and several undescribed species are currently known from Australian waters.

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.

Size range

Most species in the family Zeniontidae grow to no more than 10 cm in length.

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.

Zenion

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Dwarf Dory specimens in the Australian Museums.

What does this mean?

Habitat

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

Classification

Species:
sp.
Genus:
Zenion
Family:
Zeniontidae
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

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.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Dwarf Dory, Zenion sp., Zeniontidae, undescribed species, Armoreye Dories, Bighead Dories, Capro Dories, Elongate Dories, Rough-head Dories, large eyes, protrusible mouth, < 10 cm, benthic, continental slope,