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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Escolar

Escolar is a deep-sea fish species, scientifically named Lepidocybium flavobrunneum, found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Escolar is a deep-sea fish species, scientifically named Lepidocybium flavobrunneum, found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide. It is the only species in the genus Lepidocybium and the family Lepidocybiidae. Escolar is also known as snake mackerel or walu, and it is noted for its high wax-ester oil content, which can cause digestive illness in some people.

Taxonomy

Escolar is classified as Lepidocybium flavobrunneum and is the sole species in the genus Lepidocybium and the family Lepidocybiidae. It is a scombriform ray-finned fish related to other mackerel-like fishes.

Distribution and habitat

The species has a broad, global range in tropical and temperate oceans. It is a deep-water fish, generally found between 200 and 1,100 metres depth.

Biology and appearance

Escolar is a streamlined, deep-sea fish adapted to life in low light. Sources describe it as a large, dark fish that resembles a mackerel and is sometimes called snake mackerel.

Human use and safety

Escolar is eaten in some places, but its flesh contains high levels of wax esters that are not well digested by humans. Health authorities warn that eating it can cause keriorrhea and advise caution or avoidance.

Key facts

  • Escolar is a ray-finned fish with a cosmopolitan distribution in warm and temperate seas.
  • It is the only known member of its genus and family.
  • The species lives in deep water, typically around 200 to 1,100 metres below the surface.
  • Its flesh contains large amounts of indigestible wax esters.
  • Consumption can cause keriorrhea, an oily diarrhoea.
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Canadian context

Escolar may appear in Canadian seafood markets or restaurant supply chains, so Canadian consumers and food businesses should be aware of its labeling and its potential to cause keriorrhea.

Frequently asked questions

What is escolar?
Escolar is a deep-sea fish species, Lepidocybium flavobrunneum, found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide.
Why is escolar associated with food poisoning?
Its flesh contains indigestible wax esters that can cause oily diarrhoea, known as keriorrhea, in some people.
Is escolar the same as oilfish?
No. Escolar is Lepidocybium flavobrunneum; oilfish is usually Ruvettus pretiosus, a different species.
Where does escolar live?
It lives in deep ocean waters, typically at depths of about 200 to 1,100 metres.
What family does escolar belong to?
Escolar is the only member of the family Lepidocybiidae.
What are other names for escolar?
It is also called snake mackerel and walu, among other regional names.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escolar
    Supports: Scientific name, family, genus, distribution, depth range, and alternate names.
  2. Queensland Government — https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/food-pantry/food-safety-for-consumers/potentially-hazardous-foods-processes/seafood/escolar-and-oilfish
    Supports: Wax esters, keriorrhea, and consumer health warnings about escolar.
  3. SeafoodSource — https://www.seafoodsource.com/seafood-handbook/finfish/escolar
    Supports: Identity, distribution, bycatch, and market names.
  4. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escolar
    Supports: Dictionary definition and identification as Lepidocybium flavobrunneum.