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Escolar

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description Escolar Overview

Escolar, Lepidocybium flavobrunneum, is a large, dark-colored marine fish in the snake mackerel family, Gempylidae. It inhabits deep tropical and temperate waters around the world and is caught commercially, sometimes being sold under ambiguous market names. Its flesh contains wax esters that humans digest poorly, and eating substantial portions can cause oily intestinal discharge known as keriorrhea, leading some authorities to restrict its sale or require consumer warnings.

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What species is escolar?

Escolar is *Lepidocybium flavobrunneum*, a deep-sea fish in the snake mackerel family Gempylidae. The common name can also be used for *Ruvettus pretiosus*, so seafood labels deserve attention [Health Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/information-product/escolar-adverse-reactions.html).

Why can eating escolar cause oily diarrhea?

Its flesh contains indigestible wax esters called gempylotoxin. Humans cannot digest these oils, so they can pass through the gut and cause oily gastrointestinal symptoms [Health Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/information-product/escolar-adverse-reactions.html).

Is escolar the same as oilfish?

No. Escolar generally refers to *Lepidocybium flavobrunneum*, while oilfish is *Ruvettus pretiosus*, although both are gempylids linked to gempylotoxism [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/files/food/published/Bad-Bug-Book-2nd-Edition-%28PDF%29.pdf).

How is escolar sold in seafood markets?

It can be marketed under ambiguous names, which is why regulators publish accepted market names for fish. The FDA points to its Seafood List as a way to reduce accidental exposure to escolar and oilfish [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/files/food/published/Bad-Bug-Book-2nd-Edition-%28PDF%29.pdf).

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