Escolar

Scientific Name:
Lepidocybium flavobrunneum

Vernacular Names:
Es/Sp: Escolar, Pez mantequilla (misleadingly)
Fr/Fr: Escolier noir
In/En: Escolar, Oilfish (though often confused with related species)

Local Names:
USA (Gulf of Mexico): Escolar
Ecuador, Fiji, Australia: Escolar
Mexico: Escolar
Australia: Black oilfish

Commercial Names: Escolar, Oilfish

Simile of International Trade: Bycatch species mainly from tuna longline fisheries; moderate international trade primarily from tropical and temperate waters including Fiji, Ecuador, Gulf of Mexico, Australia.

Fishing Season: Available year-round, with market abundance often higher just after full moon phases due to tuna fishing cycles.

Geographical Distribution: Cosmopolitan in tropical and temperate seas worldwide, including Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. In Australia, recorded from southern Queensland along the coast to western Australia.

Habitat and Biology: Deepwater pelagic species inhabiting depths of about 200 to 885 meters (656 to 2,904 feet).

Length: Can grow up to nearly 2 meters (about 7 feet) in length and weigh up to 45 kg (99 pounds).