If you’re exploring the underwater world and come across a fish with a distinctive black spot on the centre of its body, you’re not hallucinating – you might have just come across the John Dory fish (not to be confused with the adorable ‘Dory’ character from the animated film ‘Finding Nemo’ – that’s a blue tang!)

The John Dory, known scientifically as Zenus faber, is curiously associated with one of the most famous fishermen of all time – St Peter – to the point that it’s often called St Peter’s Fish in English, ‘pixxi San Pietru’ in Maltese and ‘pesce San Pietro’ in Italian. The association with the saint hails from an ancient legend.  It is said that St. Peter picked this fish up from the Sea of Galilee, but instead of keeping it, he returned it to the water.  The black mark on the side of the John Dory is said to be St. Peter’s thumbprint!

This fascinating fish, captured beautifully on camera by Emily Bonnici and shared by marine biologist Alan Deidun, is a rare sight due to overfishing driven by its high commercial value. So if you’re lucky enough to spot one in its natural habitat, take a leaf out of St. Peter’s book and let it stay where it belongs – in the sea!

Have you ever spotted this spotty fish?