John Dory
Various, often doubtful explanations are given of the origin of the name. It may be an arbitrary or jocular variation of dory (from French "dorée", gilded), or an allusion to John Dory, the hero of an old ballad. Others suggest that "John" derives from the French "jaune", yellow. The novel "An Antarctic Mystery" by Jules Verne gives another account, which has some popularity but is probably fanciful: "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." Other known names for the John Dory are the "St. Pierre", or "Peter's Fish", perhaps explaining why dories were often referred to as "Peter Boats", Saint Peter being the patron saint of fishermen. A related legend says that the dark spot on the fish's flank is St. Peter's thumbprint. In the north coast of Spain, it is known commonly as San Martiño.