Lepidocybium flavobrunneum (Smith, 1843)
Escolar
photo by Cambraia Duarte, P.M.N. (c)ImagDOP

Family:  Gempylidae (Snake mackerels)
Max. size:  200 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 45 kg
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 200 - 1100 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Tropical and temperate seas of the World, but probably not occurring in the northern Indian Ocean. Northwest Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951). Eastern Atlantic: known from 13°N off Guinea to Lobutu, Angola (Ref. 10816).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal spines: 1-2; Anal soft rays: 12-14; Vertebrae: 31. Body almost uniformly dark brown, becoming almost black with age. Pelvic fins well developed, with I spine and 5 soft rays (Ref. 9784). Prominent lateral keel on caudal peduncle, flanked by smaller accessory keels above and below (Ref. 26938).
Biology:  Occurs mainly over the continental slope, down to 200 m and more (Ref. 6181). Migrates upward at night (Ref. 6181). Feeds on squid, crustaceans and a wide variety of fishes (Ref. 6181). Flesh oily and may have purgative properties (Ref. 9784). Sometimes caught by tuna long-liners (Ref. 26938). Marketed frozen and as fish cakes in Japan (Ref. 9302).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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