Dwarf Dory (Zenion hololepis) | Marine Explorer Coloring Kit

Discover the hidden wonders of the deep oceanic slopes. The Dwarf Dory, scientifically known as Zenion hololepis, is a striking deep-water zeiform fish characterized by its distinctively compressed body, massive light-gathering eyes, and a silvery-bronze coloration perfectly adapted to the dimly lit environments of the deep sea. This fascinating species inhabits the continental slopes, seamounts, and ridges across the Indo-Pacific—particularly the Tropical Western Pacific and the Northern and Western Indian Ocean—typically found hovering over sand and mud bottoms where sunlight scarcely reaches. Despite its relatively small size, reaching only about 10 cm in length, the Dwarf Dory remains a captivating and scientifically intriguing member of its family, relying on its enormous eyes to detect faint bioluminescence and subtle movements in the near-darkness—making it a unique and fascinating fish featured in the CECOZ Marine Explorer Series. An active mid-water predator, it feeds primarily on small invertebrates and smaller live fishes, ambushing prey with its specialized, highly protrusible jaw.

Developed using real marine reference observations and scientific classification standards.

Common Name: Dwarf Dory

Scientific Name: Zenion hololepis

Origin / Habitat: Indo-Pacific — Tropical Western Pacific and Northern & Western Indian Ocean. Found over sand or mud bottoms on continental slopes and seamounts.

[Exclusive Educational Content Included]

This educational coloring kit combines marine science with clean line art, helping learners and collectors explore the distinctive large-eyed profile, compressed body shape, deep-water benthic habitat, oceanic distribution, and the predatory adaptations of this remarkable deep-sea species through a creative hands-on experience.

Best for: hobbyists, educators, marine artists, and reference collectors.

Note: Full care data including tank requirements, diet, and water parameters is included in the Digital Infographic Card inside your download folder.

Formats included: High-resolution printable coloring page (A4 PDF) + Scientific Infographic Card.

Part of the growing CECOZ Marine Explorer Series — collect and build your personal marine library.