Cream Dory: What Fish Does It Really Refer To?

Cream dory is not actually a type of fish, but rather a common name used to refer to several different species of fish. These fish are not truly members of the "dory" family, and are instead members of the order Perciformes. Two common species that may be referred to as cream dory are:

- Ocean Perch (Sebastes alutus): Commonly known as Pacific ocean perch or redfish, ocean perch is found in the North Pacific Ocean. It has a deep red or orange-red coloration and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

- Alfonsino (Beryx splendens): Also known as king alfonsino or red bream, alfonsino is found in deeper waters in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. It has a pinkish-orange coloration and a delicate, mild flavor.

These fish are usually caught using trawling or longlining methods. Due to overfishing, both ocean perch and alfonsino have experienced declining populations in certain areas, leading to conservation concerns. As a result, it's important to check seafood sustainability guides when considering purchasing or consuming fish labeled as "cream dory" to ensure they're sourced responsibly.