It is an edible demersal coastal marine fish with a laterally compressed olive-yellow body which has a large dark spot, and long spines on the dorsal fin.

Its large eyes at the front of the head provide it with binocular vision and depth perception, which are important for predators.

The John Dory's eye spot on the side of its body also confuses prey, which are scooped up in its large mouth.

Etymologies claiming it comes from the French jaune dorée (meaning "golden yellow") which sounds like 'John Dory' in English, or the Italian gianitore 'janitor' are now rejected.

[7] The John Dory grows to a maximum size of 65 cm (2 ft) and 5 kg (12 lb) in weight.

[citation needed] The John Dory catches prey by stalking it, then extending its jaw forward in a tube-like structure to suck the fish in with some water.

The large eyes at the front of the head provide it with the binocular vision and depth perception it needs to catch prey.