"Wonders of The Deep" NCS Card - John Dory
IssuerIssued by
Northern Co-operative Company
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1861 - 1993)
Date1966
Object NameCard
Mediumcard
ClassificationsMuseum General
DimensionsOverall: Height: 7 cm, Width: 3.5 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1983.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS072021.25
About MeThe John Dory is also known as St. Pierre or (St.) Peter's Fish. While considered one of the ugliest edible fish, with its squashed olive-yellow body, it is reportedly quite delicious. In her 1845 book, Modern Cookery for Private Families, Eliza Acton reports, "though of uninviting appearance, is considered by some persons as the most delicious fish that appears at table."It reportedly gets its name from the term "jaune dorée" in French, 'jaune' meaning 'yellow,' and 'dorée' meaning 'gilded.' However, there are alternative theories behind its name, one of the most fanciful being from Jules Vernes' An Antarctic Mystery, which offers: "The legendary etymology of this piscatorial designation is Janitore, the 'door-keeper,' in allusion to St. Peter, who brought a fish said to be of that species, to Jesus at his command." Many legends say the dark spot on the side of the fish's body is St. Peter's thumbprint, though it's practical use is most likely to confuse predators.
Part of Set/Part of Set
