Common name: Escolar

Japanese common name: Aburasokomutsu (油底鯥、脂底鯥)

Taiwan common name: 鱗網帶鰆、油魚、細鱗仔、圓鱈、玉梭魚、白玉豚

Chinese common name: 異鱗蛇鯖

French common name: Escolier noir

German common name: Escolar-Schlangenmakrele

Spanish common name: Escolar negro, petróleo, Escolar, Miramelindo, Pez Aceite 

Portuguese common name: Escolar-preto

Russian common name: Эсколар, масляная рыба, серая (деликатесная) макрель

Scientific name: Lepidocybium flavobrunneum (Smith, 1843)

Feature:

Escolar (Aburasokomutsu) is found in Japan from Sagami Bay to Okinawa, and globally in temperate and tropical waters. It inhabits depths of 100 to 1,000 meters. This large fish can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh over 50 kilograms. It has a dark-colored body, white eyes, and sharp teeth resembling razors.

Aburasokomutsu is often mistaken for tuna due to its similar taste to Otoro, and is sometimes sold overseas as “white tuna” or “false tuna.” A common mistake is confusing Skilfish (Aburabouzu) with Escolar (Aburasokomutsu). However, Aburabouzu is a highly prized and delicious fish.It is also one of the local specialties in Odawara. On the other hand, in Japan, Aburasokomutsu has been banned from sale since 1981 under the Food Sanitation Law by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.