One of Portugal’s most appetizing fish is the Selene Setapinnis, commonly known as “peixe galo” (rooster fish). In Peniche, fishermen call it “alfaquique.” It is a word with an Arab origin, suggesting that this fish was prized centuries ago.
Peixe galo swims with a serious demeanor near the ocean floor where its colors make it almost invisible. It stays slim on a diet of squid, cuttlefish, and shrimp. Perhaps that is why its meat tastes so good.
Fried peixe galo with an açorda made with its fish eggs is a sumptuous meal, one of the simply extraordinary pleasures of the Portuguese cuisine.
Salt of Portugal 
Olá Sérgio, O post está ótimo, obrigada. Só há uma pequena observação. Falta o “s” no nome do Rui: Barreiros. Um abraço, Ana Paula
Obrigado!
I’m sure in English it’s called John Dory in French St Pierre, strange name in Potuguese
Makes sense, although we have seen so many fish refereed to a John Dory that we wonder whether it is like John Smith, a name fish use when they want to remain anonymous : )
John Dory is a specific fish, I think the Portuguese name is Sao Pedro. So if you are seeing it used lots it is the fishmongers getting it wrong!!!
Interesting I cannot find this gorgeous fish in my superb Tio Pepe guide to the fish of Spain and Portugal as none of the names you have mentioned come up. Do you know if the Spanish have another name for it or maybe the French
We have seen linguado, rodovalho and much more called John Dory. Peixe galo is really awesome.
Very dodgy fishmongers then!!! We’ll look out for peixe galo on our return 🙂